How UK prime minister could be ousted ------------------------------------------- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, under renewed pressure over “Partygate”, could be removed from office by fellow Conservatives ------------------------------------------- SCANDAL THAT WON’T GO AWAY May 25: Civil servant Sue Gray publishes damning report into illegal parties held in Downing Street during Covid-19 lockdowns. Johnson apologises but refuses to resign May 31: Lord Geidt, PM’s ethics adviser, concludes there are “legitimate questions” over whether Johnson breached ministerial code ------------------------------------------- VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE Under Conservative Party rules, following process must be followed: 15% of MPs Over 50% of MPs 54 1 180 2 359 Total Conservative MPs ------------------------------------------- 1 At least 15% of Conservative MPs need to write to 1922 Committee to trigger leadership challenge. Chairman keeps tally of letters secret but vote proceeds if threshold of 54 is reached ------------------------------------------- 2 Johnson would be ousted from power if majority of Conservative MPs vote for his removal – at least 180 votes. He would not be allowed to stand in subsequent leadership contest ------------------------------------------- 3 MPs reduce field of contenders to two before postal ballot of party members decides winner, who becomes prime minister ------------------------------------------- Sources: Reuters, BBC Pictures: Getty Images, UK government © GRAPHIC NEWS