New leader of backbench Tory MPs holds the party’s future in his hands

Bob Blackman, picked as the 1922 Committee chair, will play a major role in shaping the contest to replace Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak remains leader of the Conservatives for now but the party's most important figure is arguably a veteran backbencher with little national profile and zero ministerial experience.

Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, has taken on a pivotal role in shaping his party's forthcoming leadership contest after being elected as chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs.