Can the Queen fire the Prime Minister and can anyone force a Prime Minister to resign?

The UK has a complicated (and unwritten) constitution and there are a number of ways a Prime Minister can be removed from office. Boris Johnson's job is in real jeopardy as he clings to his job

Boris Johnson could soon be fired (

Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Boris Johnson faces what could be his last hours as Prime Minister.

With more than 50 Tories leaving government - including Cabinet and PPS ministers - over Johnson's handling of allegations against MP Chris Pincher, the Prime Minister is barely clinging to power.

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It comes against a backdrop of Partygate, in which he attended parties during the coronavirus lockdown, and a boozy culture among Downing Street staff that caused uproar in Parliament and across the country.

Pulling out the best dog in No10 can be trickier than it looks, however, and depends on very specific circumstances.

Britain is also a constitutional monarchy, which means that technically Mr Johnson's patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

As an unelected head of state, the Queen does not involve herself in political affairs, but she does have some interesting powers that could lead to complications.

MPs forcing the Prime Minister to resign are the most likely option. So who can force the Prime Minister to step down?

Can the Queen fire Boris Johnson?