LONDON, (Reuters) – Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister of the Conservative Party is facing growing anger from lawmakers who believe he has been wasting his party’s achievements by making self-inflicted errors and gaffes.

Johnson, who helped the Conservatives win a large majority in a 2019 election, offered his “heartfelt apologies” https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/party-over-uk-pm-johnson-faces-crunch-day-parliament-2022-01-12 on Wednesday for attending a “bring your own booze” gathering at his official residence during the country’s first coronavirus lockdown, as opponents said he must resign.

The move follows a string of missteps and controversies in recent months. These include a rebellion by his lawmakers about COVID-19 restrictions and the loss of a long-held parliament seat. There are also questions regarding the funding for a costly refurbishment to his apartment.

Many Conservative lawmakers claim Johnson has been the subject of letters from their colleagues, which is required in order to challenge Johnson as leader.

Below is an explanation of how Johnson could face such a challenge under the governing Conservative Party’s rules:

What are the prerequisites for an election to become a leader?

A leadership challenge can be triggered if 15% of Conservative members of parliament (MPs) write letters demanding a confidence vote to the chairman of the party’s “1922 Committee”, which represents lawmakers who have no government jobs.

With 360 MPs in the Conservative Party, 54 letters would be required to request a confidence motion.

Johnson could this be a reality?

Numerous Conservative legislators have spoken out about their dissatisfaction with Johnson. At least one of them, Roger Gale has publicly confirmed that he wrote to Graham, the chairman of 1922 Committee (NYSE:) Brady).

Brady knows the number of letters that have been written by MPs, but they are kept confidential.

What could happen in a confidence election?

Every Conservative MP can vote in favour or against their leader. Johnson is in office until he loses. He cannot be challenged for another 12 months. Johnson must resign after a loss and is prohibited from running in the following leadership elections.

What speed can a vote of no confidence be taken?

According to Conservative regulations, the chairman of the 1922 Committee, in consultation with the leader of the party, decides when a vote will be held.

Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May was facing a confidence vote in Dec 2018, which she won. It took place on the day that the chairman of the 1922 Committee announced that he had received sufficient letters to activate the vote.

What would happen to Johnson if he lost the confidence vote?

Johnson’s defeat would trigger a contest for the leadership to replace him. But, the general election wouldn’t automatically trigger and Johnson’s replacement would be prime minister.

To reduce the number of candidates, Conservative MPs hold a secret vote. One ballot is cast among Conservative lawmakers to elect the candidate who has received the most votes. This process continues until there are two remaining candidates. Votes will be held on Thursdays and Tuesdays, several days apart.

Next, the final two candidates will be put to the Conservative Party members via postal ballot. The winner is then named as the new leader. The voters must have been members of the party for at least three months.

Johnson could be replaced by a new person.

His finance minister Rishi, who played an important role in publicizing the government’s support of the economy during COVID-19, as well as Liz Truss (popular among grassroots party members), are the two front-runners to succeed Johnson.