Tory MPs reject rule change to oust Theresa May

Backbench Tory MPs have rejected a bit by Brexiteers to change party rules so Theresa May can be ousted this summer - but demanded a clear timetable for her departure.
Tory MPs decided against changing party rules to allow Theresa May to face a leadership challenge this summerTory MPs decided against changing party rules to allow Theresa May to face a leadership challenge this summer
Tory MPs decided against changing party rules to allow Theresa May to face a leadership challenge this summer

Following a second meeting in 24 hours, the executive of the powerful 1922 Committee decided against cutting the amount of time needed between confidence votes in a Tory leader, from one year to six months.

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With opinion evening divided, senior MPs on the 1922 held two ballots behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon, and decided against a change to the party constitution.

But the Committee is to ask Mrs May for "clarity" on how long she plans to remain PM if her EU Withdrawal Agreement fails.

Following the meeting, 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady said: "The decision was first of all that we determined there should not be a rule change to remove the 12-month period of grace during which a second confidence vote cannot be held.

"We further determined that we should remind colleagues that it is always available to them to write to me as chairman of the 1922 Committee raising concerns or setting out their thoughts, including concerns about the leadership of the party, and that the strength of opinion would be communicated by me to the leader of the party should they decide to do so.

He added: "I think the 1922 executive is asking on behalf of the Conservative Party in Parliament that we should have a clear roadmap forward."

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