The Conservative Private Members (1922) Committee is an important but elusive force in British politics. Despite becoming almost a household name during the leadership crises of 2022, it remains little understood beyond the corridors of Westminster.

Established in 1923 by a group of Conservative MPs elected the year before, the Committee offers backbenchers an opportunity to discuss their views and coordinate independently of the frontbench. Over time it has become the kingmaker of the Conservative Party, overseeing leadership elections and confidence votes such as that faced by Boris Johnson over 'partygate'.

How did the Committee come together? How is it structured and how much power does it really wield? These are among the questions the book considers. Providing unprecedented insights into this long-standing institution, it is essential reading for anyone who cares about the integrity of our political system.

Reviews

'Impeccable scholarship and a degree of charm'
Simon Heffer, The Sunday Telegraph

'As near to a definitive account as we are ever likely to get.'
Vernon Bogdanor, Times Literary Supplement

'With unrestricted access to its records, Lord Norton's masterful account sheds fresh light on the workings of this mysterious committee.'
Lord Lexden, The House magazine

'The 1922 is probably the most significant body in British politics that almost no one knows anything about - and what they do think they know is probably wrong. Philip Norton does a superb job at disentangling myth from reality.'
Philip Cowley, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London

'Nobody knows more about parliament, or about the Conservative Party, than Philip Norton. So he is the perfect guide to the little-understood but increasingly newsworthy 1922 Committee. This meticulously researched history illustrates how much of parliament's most important influence really goes on behind the scenes.'
Meg Russell, Professor of British and Comparative Politics, University College London

'This highly insightful and accessible book sheds important new light on the history, organisation and politics of the Conservatives' backbench 1922 Committee. Drawing on his decades of experience observing and analysing parliamentary politics, Philip Norton reveals how the Committee works, its day-to-day power and its occasional role in terminating premierships.'
Isabelle Hertner, Senior Lecturer in Politics, King's College London

'Anyone who wants to really understand the British Conservative Party, and indeed parliamentary parties in general, would be well advised to read this book.'
Tim Bale, Party Politics

'An admirable textbook about this obscure body which plays a vital role in crowning and defenestrating Conservative leaders, and therefore in the British Constitution.'
Andrew Gimson, ConservativeHome

'As a book likely to remain the standard source on the 1922 Committee until the next significant anniversary produces another, it is highly recommended for libraries with concentrations in British politics, parliamentary politics, and modern British history.
--M. Klobas, Scottsdale Community College
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.'
CHOICE (June 2024 Vol. 61 No. 10)

1 Setting the scene: parliamentary parties in perspective

Part I: History
2 Modest beginnings: the origins of the 1922
3 Speaking truth to power: in war and peace
4 Wielding the sword: the era of electing the leader
5 The maker and slayer of leaders: from Cameron to Sunak

Part II: Organisation and leadership
6 Who and when: membership and meetings
7 Engaging members' interests: backbench committees
8 Transforming or presiding? Leadership in the '22

Part III: The impact of the 1922
9 What's going on? Bedding in and being heard
10 Collective action: a trade union for backbenchers
11 Us versus them: maintaining the integrity of the party
12 'May I have a word, minister?' Influencing policy, challenging ministers
13 'The men in grey suits': choosing a leader
14 Conclusion: the 1922 in British politics

Index