Boris Johnson is facing a vote of no confidence today, amid anger across the Conservative party at the disclosures over lockdown parties in Downing Street.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, said in a statement: “The threshold of 15 per cent of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded.

“In accordance with the rules, a ballot will be held between 6pm and 8pm today, Monday, June 6 — details to be confirmed.

“The votes will be counted immediately afterwards. An announcement will be made at a time to be advised. Arrangements for the announcement will be released later today.”

The secret ballot will take place between 6pm and 8pm on Monday (June 6).

What are the Conservative rules for a vote of no confidence?

A total of 54 letters of no confidence from Tory MPs, 15 per cent of the parliamentary party, were needed to trigger the vote.

Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs has received a steady stream of letters in recent days as Tories spent time in their constituencies consulting local parties about their position.

What happens next?

At least 50 per cent of Tory MPs must vote "no confidence" for the prime minister to lose.

But even if Mr Johnson survives the vote this evening, his leadership could be fatally undermined if a significant number of MPs vote against him.

How does a Tory leadership contest work?

If Mr Johnson is voted out or forced to resign, a leadership contest to replace him as the head of the Tory Party would take place - although he is likely to remain in post as Prime Minister until a successor is in place.

The contest takes place in two stages.

In the first stage, Conservative MPs put themselves forward as candidates.

All Tory MPs then vote in a series of rounds to reduce the number of candidates until only two remain.

The second stage of the contest sees the two remaining candidates put to a vote of Conservative Party members.

Mr Johnson won the leadership contest in 2019 against Jeremy Hunt, following Theresa May's resignation.