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Boris Johnson resignation: What happens now? Boris Johnson: How will the new Tory leader and PM be chosen?
(2 days later)
Boris Johnson has resigned as Conservative leader and will step down as prime minister when a new leader is found. But how does that happen? Tory MPs are competing to be the next Conservative Party leader - and prime minister - after the dramatic resignation of Boris Johnson.
How long will Boris Johnson stay in power? Who chooses his successor and when will we know the outcome?
In the past, prime ministers choosing to step down have usually stayed in office until a successor is found. That means he would stay in office until the Conservatives choose a new leader, as his predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron did when they resigned.
It's been suggested that process could last until October, although it could be much shorter - the replacement of Theresa May as leader took two months.
In his resignation statement Mr Johnson said: "I've agreed with Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of our backbench MPs, that the process of choosing that new leader should begin now and the timetable will be announced next week."
Could he go any sooner?
Some Conservative MPs have suggested the timetable for the leadership election could be shortened and completed in a few weeks.
Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major said it would be "unwise" for Mr Johnson to stay in office for three months. He said one option was that Mr Johnson could resign as prime minister immediately and his deputy Dominic Raab could take over temporarily.
But that appears unlikely now that Johnson has appointed a new cabinet.
Sir John also suggested there could be a significant change to the leadership election process. The timescale for the contest is decided by the executive of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs, and they could decide to change the rules as well before the contest starts.
And to add to the mix, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says he intends to bring a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
Under a motion of no confidence, all MPs - not just Conservatives - would get to vote. One more MP voting in favour than against would be required for it to pass.
Such an outcome, however, would rely on Conservative MPs voting against their own government - which would be unlikely.
How do the Conservatives elect a new leader?How do the Conservatives elect a new leader?
Once a Conservative leader stands down, an election for a new party leader is triggered. Under the current rules, candidates need the support of eight Conservative MPs to enter the race. The timeline and rules for the leadership contest have been set by the 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs.
Once all the candidates have declared - if there are more than two candidates - Tory MPs will hold a series of votes until only two remain. Nominations have opened, and will close on Tuesday (12 July) at 18:00 BST.
in the first round, candidates must get 5% of the votes to stay in the running (currently 18 MPs) Ten MPs say they intend to stand.
in the second round, they must get 10% (currently 36 MPs) Candidates can only enter the race if they have the backing of 20 Tory MPs.
in the following rounds, the candidate with the least number of votes is eliminated If more than two join the contest, the 358 Tory MPs hold a series of votes until only two remain:
When two MPs are left, all Conservative Party members around the country - so not just MPs - will vote for the winner. Of course, there's still time to change that process. in the first round, any candidate receiving fewer than 30 votes is eliminated
1922 Committee: What is it and what powers does it have? if all candidates reach that number, the one with the fewest votes is eliminated
How is the next prime minister appointed? rounds of voting continue until two candidates remain
Whoever wins the contest to lead the Conservatives will become the leader of the party with the largest number of MPs in Parliament. The first ballot will take place on Wednesday 13 July, from 13:30 to 15:30, with the result announced later that day.
The Queen will therefore ask them to form a government. The final two candidates should be known by the end of next week.
After a series of hustings events around the country - when the candidates set out their plans - party members will pick the winner in a postal vote.
Political parties don't have to say how many members they have. However, about 160,000 people were eligible to vote during the last Tory leadership election. The party says that number has since grown.
When will we know the new PM?
Under the current rules, we will know by 5 September at the latest.
The result will be announced by 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady.
We could know the new prime minister sooner if one of the final two candidates drops out and isn't replaced.
This happened in 2016 when Dame Andrea Leadsom pulled out of the race, leaving Theresa May as the only candidate.
However, Sir Graham says he is "keen" that party members get to vote this time.
Do the people choosing the next PM think like you?
Who could replace Boris Johnson?
Ten Tory MPs have put their hat in the ring.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Attorney General Suella Braverman, former Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and Foreign Affairs Committee chair Tom Tugendhat have all launched leadership challenges.
Also in the race are two former health secretaries - Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt and Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi.
Other contenders include International Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and former UK trade envoy Rehman Chishti.
Who could be the next prime minister?
Do Tory leadership tax pledges add up?
Will there be a general election?Will there be a general election?
Probably not. Not necessarily. When a prime minister resigns, there isn't automatically a general election.
When a prime minister resigns, there is not automatically a general election. However, Labour is tabling a no-confidence motion in the government, with a vote likely to be held in Parliament on Wednesday. If a simple majority of MPs votes in favour of it, then there could be a general election.
This scenario is unlikely to happen, though, because it would require the support of dozens of Conservative MPs.
The latest an election can be held is January 2025, but the new prime minister could choose to call an election before then.The latest an election can be held is January 2025, but the new prime minister could choose to call an election before then.
Could there be an early election?Could there be an early election?
Who could replace Boris Johnson? Is Boris Johnson still PM?
In the days following the prime minister's announcement that he has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party a number of MPs have announced their bids to replace him. Yes. Despite standing down as leader of the Conservative Party, Mr Johnson is still the prime minister.
Profiles: Who could be the next prime minister? Constitutionally, there needs to be a prime minister at all times. So Mr Johnson remains in post until his successor takes over.
Ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Attorney General Suella Braverman, former Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch and Foreign Affairs Committee chair Tom Tugendhat have all said they'll stand. That will happen when a new Tory leader has been appointed.
Also in the race are two former health secretaries - Sajid Javid and Jeremy Hunt, as well as Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. Once Mr Johnson has officially resigned, the newly-elected leader will be invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen who - on the advice of the ruling party - appoints a new prime minister.
Other possible contenders include International Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
What powers does Boris Johnson still have?What powers does Boris Johnson still have?
Until he goes to the Queen and formally resigns as prime minister, Mr Johnson still has the same powers, in theory. Until he goes to the Queen and formally resigns, in theory Mr Johnson keeps all his powers.
In reality, he now lacks the authority to introduce any radical new policies, and has promised his cabinet he will not make any "major changes of direction". However, in reality, he lacks the authority to introduce any substantial new policies, and has promised his cabinet he will not make any "major changes of direction".
He will still represent the UK abroad and can continue to make public appointments or changes to his team of ministers. He will still represent the UK abroad, and can continue to make public appointments or changes to his team of ministers.
One of his final acts in office is likely to be awarding knighthoods and appointments to the House of Lords in his resignation honours list.One of his final acts in office is likely to be awarding knighthoods and appointments to the House of Lords in his resignation honours list.