Read the full article at Evening Standard.co.uk

As Theresa May’s handling of Brexit continues to be contentious, signs of disenchantment towards the Conservative leader are emerging throughout her own ranks.

These negative rumblings, along with definitive acts such as the resignations of David Davis and Boris Johnson, have prompted discussions surrounding the possibility of a contest for party leadership. 

That pair leaving previously set off rumours of a battle for the top spot, in the wake of the so-called Chequers deal.

Insight from Think Tanks

Ben Harris-Quinney is chairman of The Bow Group, a UK-based conservative think tank, founded in 1951.  

He described the Conservative party as “the least democratic major political party in Britain”. 

​He stated that rules on membership and leadership are unclear and members of the party are “rarely consulted on anything”. 

“The general accepted practice for leadership elections in recent years has been for the Parliamentary Conservative Party to hold a series of run-off elections until a final two candidates are chosen, who are then put before the Party members.

“There is no guarantee this will happen however, the last race effectively being a coronation of Theresa May. 

“In the event the 1922 Committee receive the required 48 letters from MPs triggering a leadership election then at a minimum the Parliamentary Conservative Party will hold elections among themselves.

“Due to the disruption this would cause and given the tight schedule regarding the Brexit negotiations it is unlikely there would be a general election immediately after a leadership election, and there is no requirement to do so, but one would likely follow before the end of this Parliament as the new leader attempts to gain authority,” he said.