Grassroots Conservative party associations are considering motions calling for the removal of Theresa May as it emerged that MPs want a new leader in place by late July.

The news came as the party’s ‘phony leadership campaign’ got under way on Tuesday with three modernising Tory MPs calling for the party to reach out to younger voters.

The associations have no power to remove Mrs May as leader; however a motion passed by associations could force the hand of local MPs to push for change.

A draft of one motion states: “We have no confidence in Theresa May to lead the Conservative Party and request our MP to take steps to ensure there is an urgent/ immediate vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister in Parliament.”

One association, Clwyd South, Wales, has already scheduled its vote of no confidence for April 24.

John Strafford, who runs the Campaign for Conservative Democracy, said associations could also pressure the party’s board under Article 17 of the party’s constitution to move against Mrs May.