On Tuesday, Republican Matt Gaetz did just that. As a result, he succeeded in removing him with the help of Democrats.

Currently, most Republicans are shaking their heads and wondering where they will go next. It only took a few rebels to throw the chamber into chaos, since nearly all of them voted to keep McCarthy in office.

Keeping his right flank in line had been Mr McCarthy’s priority for months.

A probe into President Joe Biden’s impeachment had been agreed upon by him. In an effort to raise the debt limit earlier this year, he backed away from a spending deal he struck with Democrats. To pass spending bills and other legislation, he allowed conservatives to attach right-wing provisions.

His efforts were in vain. At the weekend, when the Speaker relied on Democratic support to keep the government temporarily funded, the game was over. McCarthy could have still won back power by cajoling or coercing the Republicans who sank him this week to change their minds, just as he did back in January. On Tuesday evening, he indicated he would not run again, as he seems to have few options left.

After the vote to oust him ended, he almost looked relieved as fellow Republicans came up to shake his hand and hug him.

The divisions within the Republican Party will persist regardless of who replaces him. The challenges of effectively running the chamber remain the same.