While the Conservative Party regularly contests leadership contests, this week could soon see the first challenge to a sitting Labour Prime Minister.
Labour’s rulebook undoubtedly brings about a different challenge to whoever occupies No10, with a more ambiguous set of hoops for candidates to jump through.
A potential challenger needs the support of 20 per cent of Parliamentary Labour Party colleagues, totalling 81 MPs given Sir Keir Starmer’s majority.
Meanwhile, a Tory Prime Minister could face the chop if just 20 per cent of fellow MPs submit letters to the chairman of the 1922 Committee, a role long occupied by Sir Graham Brady.
Once 81 Labour MPs have thrown their support behind a challenge, the National Executive Committee makes arrangements for a full vote of party members.
Sir Keir Starmer, as the incumbent Labour leader, would automatically go forward into the contest.
Despite more than 100 Labour MPs endorsing Sir Keir, the Prime Minister does not require the backing of MPs.
Sir Keir would instead just need to express his intention to face down a challenge to his leadership.
A potential challenger needs the support of 20 per cent of Parliamentary Labour Party colleagues
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PA/HOUSE OF COMMONS
Conservative leadership contests have also led to a high number of candidates emerging, with 10 putting themselves forward for the top job in 2019.
While there is no formal limit on the number of candidates eligible to go forward in Labour’s rulebook, the 81 MP requirement ensures the maximum number of candidates is just four.
A list of valid candidates would be published by party officials, including the names of the MPs supporting the nominations.
Wes Streeting is expected to declare his candidacy tomorrow, with allies of the Health Secretary claiming to have the backing of almost 100 Labour MPs.
There is also a requirement for a Labour leader to be a sitting MP.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is scrambling to work around the requirement, with allies suggesting a seat has been found to contest a by-election.
GB News readers will remember how Alec Douglas-Home was forced to quickly contest a by-election following his election as Tory leader.
It used to be possible for a Prime Minister to sit in the House of Lords, with Lord Salisbury and Lord Liverpool both occupying No10.
Wes Streeting is expected to declare his candidacy tomorrow
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PA
Mr Streeting is expected to trigger the leadership contest tomorrow, with the Health Secretary’s allies already suggesting he could resign from his frontbench post.
However, the timeline for potential rivals to match the 81 nominations needed is not yet decided.
The NEC will instead have to set out a timetable for the contest.
It is not expected to extend beyond a couple of weeks.
Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley would act as returning officer and appoint an independent scrutineer to oversee the contest.
Party members who have been paid up for at least six months are eligible to cast a vote in the contest.
Affiliated trade union supporters are also able to decide the next leader of the Labour Party.
Voting takes place using a preferential ballot, with members ranking candidates in order of preference.