Tories’ backbench committee to reselect members in weeks

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.”