Abolish the 1922’

a focal point for discontent among Tories with their leader. Open only to backbenchers, it is an alternative powerbase within the party that explicitly excludes the Government.

The committee holds its meetings in the fusty, oak-panelled committee room 14 in Parliament where MPs subject leaders to bear-pit style politics, either loudly banging desks or remaining in stony silence.

May is not the only leader who has wanted to reform the Committee. David Cameron in 2010 said he wanted “to change the rules of the ’22 to encompass the whole parliamentary party” and include ministers as well as back- benchers. To show contrast, he held meetings that included the Chief Whip in the modern surroundings of Portcullis House.

WHERE is David Davis, the former minister who everyone speaks of as the “caretaker leader” should May be toppled? The Londoner can reveal that Davis flew to Washington on Wednesday morning to “talk about trade”, and was also expected to give a speech to an American university. Asked if he would be returning early from the States, his adviser told us: