Bob Blackman’s election as chair of the 1922 Committee places him at the centre of the Conservative  Party’s uncertain future. After 14 years under Sir Graham Brady, the body representing Tory backbenchers has a new custodian – one who now holds significant influence over how, and when, the next Conservative leadership contest might unfold.

Blackman defeated fellow veteran Geoffrey Clifton-Brown in a ballot of MPs last July, telling colleagues in Committee Room 14 that it was “time to start rebuilding our party”. The message resonated with many on the Conservative benches still reeling from the party’s electoral collapse. 

While the Conservatives lost more than 250 seats at the general election, Blackman managed to increase his own majority in Harrow East, a rare result that has enhanced his standing among MPs looking for stability and credibility.

A long-serving and well-liked figure on the backbenches, Blackman, who is 69, has been a member of the 1922 executive since 2015 and is regarded as a steady hand. His victory was seen by some at Westminster as the preferred outcome for the party hierarchy – ensuring continuity while avoiding the perception of an entrenched old guard.

As chair, he now oversees the rules governing Conservative leadership elections, including the proportion of MPs required to trigger a vote of no confidence in a leader. Following the party’s heavy …