The powerful committee that represents backbench Tory MPs is set to reselect its members within weeks, potentially sparking a fresh power struggle in the party.
The 1922 Committee, which acts as a major counterweight to the Conservative leadership, is expected to launch selections before the September party conferences. The make-up of the group could prove critical to the success of Theresa May’s administration, which has a Commons majority of just 16.
Known as the 22, the body had planned selections for its executive and top jobs to be held earlier this year but “a decision was taken to delay it be-cause we didn’t want it all to become a proxy vote for the EU referendum”, a source said.
“Then there was the leadership contest the committee is responsible for, which meant it was delayed further,” the source added. “Now it’s likely to happen by September.”
During David Cameron’s reign the 22 was heavily weighted with Brexiteeers, including chairman Graham Brady. No clear challenger to him has emerged, but some backbenchers expect changes to the committee’s balance, with modernisers and Remainers potentially pushing for greater representation.
A prominent Tory MP said: “The Government is looking more Brexity and there are going to be more supporters of David Cameron on the backbenches, including well-known figures. So it may be a planned process or simply a by-product of a different set of backbench MPs who are now electing the 22.
“It’s a kind of natural selection. If the Government goes down one path and takes people into its fold who support that path, then the 22 is left being selected by the rest.”
