The 1922 Committee is a body set up by British lawmakers nearly a hundred years ago that plays a crucial role in conducting a no-confidence motion in United Kingdom’s parliament. The modern-day 1922 Committee is made up of lawmakers who do not hold official positions in the government.

Despite its name, the breakout body was formed in 1923 with the aim to “facilitate cooperation within the (conservative) party”, British media reported. The committee, which meets weekly when the House of Commons is in session, is made up of conservative lawmakers only. 

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Who is currently part of the committee?

Sir Graham Brady, an MP for Altrincham and Sale West, is currently the chair of the 1922Committee. Other senior positions are held by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown as treasurer; Nusrat Ghani and William Wragg as vice-chairs; Bob Blackman and Gary Sambrook as executive secretaries.

Other members of the conservative committee are Sir Bernard Jenkin, Sheryll Murray, Martin Vickers, Nicola Richards, Karl McCartney and Richard Holden.

Its chair, usually a senior MP, is elected by committee members and has considerable influence within the Parliamentary Party, according to the British parliament’s official website.

How can the 1922 Committee change leadership?

Conservative lawmakers in the British parliament can trigger a vote of no-confidence by writing to the sitting chair of the committee. At least 15% of all Tory legislators — currently 54– need to send in a letter demanding a change in leadership. 

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If enough lawmakers demand the no-confidence vote, and more than half of the MPs vote in favour of the motion, a conservative leader may be ousted. If the vote fails, the leader will be immune from another legislative challenge for at least one year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently survived a no-confidence vote on June 6, 2022. However, 41% of his party MPs voted to remove him from power. Several senior ministers — including– Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak — resigned from Johnson’s cabinet on Tuesday.