How is the next Conservative leader and prime minister chosen?

THeresa May officially announced her resignation from the post of prime minister, launching the coup in the race to replace her.

A number of party heavyweights had already started fighting for a position in anticipation of a leadership race after May announced at the end of March that she would give way to a new conservative prime minister to lead the second phase of the Brexit negotiations.

His resignation means that the Conservative leadership elections will now begin in earnest. This is what happens next and who could replace it.

How is a candidate named?

Usually, the outgoing Prime Minister retains his role of "guardian" after resigning to give the party enough time to choose a new leader. That's what David Cameron did in 2016 and what Ms. May will do as well.

A candidate must be formally proposed and seconded by colleagues.

Under the terms of the Conservative party's constitution, the 1922 Committee presented to the party "as soon as reasonably possible" a selection of candidates for the election of the leader.