This process was gradually democratised in the late 20th century; in 1965, the appointment was linked to a vote by party MPs, and in 1998, the process was opened to all party members to decide between the last two candidates selected by parliamentarians.

Rishi Sunak is the first British Indian party leader and prime minister.

Those who wish to stand must notify the 1922 Committee, a body representing backbench Conservative Party MPs, which has broad powers to set the rules of the leadership race (e.g. the minimum number of nominees candidates need).

The 1922 Committee's chairman acts as the returning officer for all stages of the leadership election process.

[26] The first politician to hold the office as such was Reginald Maudling, appointed by Edward Heath in 1965.