a rebellious Boris Johnson has made it clear that he will not give up his grip on power, despite calls from ministers and MPs across the Tory party to step down.
No prime minister in modern history has tried to hold on to office despite such overwhelming opposition? from their own side.
It puts the ball firmly in the court of those who believe its position has become untenable.
But as he staggered to the brink, Mr Johnson said bit back by firing ‘treacherous’ cabinet rival Michael Gove and the promise to ‘map a new economic program of tax cuts, deregulation and the benefits of’ Brexit†
– What can be done to remove Mr Johnson from No. 10?
Initially, the focus will be on the cabinet.
So far, most of Johnson’s top squad remain in their posts, despite Home Secretary Priti Patel being among those calling on him to leave.
Mass resignations by the cabinet – accompanied by more layoffs in the lower echelons – could be enough to force his hand if it does not allow him to form a functioning government.
However, there are no guarantees that this will happen, especially if the Prime Minister is determined to continue with an exhausted government.
– What else is there?
It then goes back to Conservative MPs if they want to make another attempt to impeach him.
Traditionally, it would be up to Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee, to go to the Prime Minister and tell him that he has lost the support of his MPs and should go.
If that fails, elections will be held Monday for the 1922 executive responsible for establishing the leadership rules.
Currently, Mr Johnson is safe from a new confidence vote for 12 months after surviving a challenge last month.
However, if he’s still in place, the new executive is likely to consider a rule change that could allow for a second confidence vote — possibly before MPs break for the summer later this month.
– If he lost such a vote, would Mr Johnson have to leave?
That would mean he was out as party leader, but not necessarily prime minister.
Reports have suggested he could refuse to leave a prime minister but instead try to call a quick general election – citing his mandate of 14 million voters in the last general election.
That would clearly be a nuclear option, which raises a host of practical problems.
Some senior Tories believe senior officials would want to deter him, warning that it would be “improper” to put the queen in a “difficult position” by asking for dissolution in such circumstances.
But would he listen?
– So what’s the endgame?
Under the UK’s unwritten constitution, every Prime Minister derives his authority from his ability to get his government’s affairs through Parliament.
If the government loses an important piece of legislation – most notably a cash bill – the prime minister would be expected to leave.
Alternatively, Tory MPs could combine with the opposition to defeat him in a confidence vote by the House of Commons – something they would normally be very reluctant to do.
And if all that fails, the land will truly enter uncharted waters.
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