Speaker Mike Johnson should go, says Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene

Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene seeks to replace Speaker Mike Johnson, the latest move in a party struggle.

While the House of Representatives voted on a $1.2tn (£950bn) spending package to prevent a partial government shutdown, the Georgia Republican made a significant move by filing a "motion to vacate."

The House could swiftly vote on Mr Johnson's future if she formally introduces the measure.

According to Ms Greene, a staunch advocate of Donald Trump, she was initiating the removal process as more of a cautionary measure.

In October, the Louisiana congressman secured the speaker's position following the removal of California Congressman Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted using a similar strategy.

Before he assumed the position, there were weeks of intense disagreement as several prominent Republicans unsuccessfully attempted to gather enough support to gain a majority in the chamber.

Last Friday, over 100 Republicans cast their votes against the spending bill that had the support of Mr. Johnson and other Republican leaders.

A group of staunch conservatives, including Ms Greene, raised concerns about the approved funding, the absence of significant changes to US immigration policy, and specific provisions that endorse healthcare clinics offering abortion services.

Ms Greene, commenting on the steps of the US Capitol following the spending vote, expressed her belief that Mr Johnson had acted in a way that was seen as a betrayal by Republicans.

She expressed her concern about the chaos in the House but made it clear that she would proceed with her motion to vacate if House Republicans failed to find a new leader.

"While I hold a certain level of respect for him on a personal level, it is evident that he is not fulfilling the responsibilities of his position," expressed Ms. Greene.

The Georgia Republican seems to lack support within her own party for the proposed action.

According to Florida Republican Matt Gaetz, there is a possibility that this latest effort could result in a Democratic speaker, potentially with the support of centrist Republicans.

During a press conference at the Capitol, Congressman Mike Lawler, a Republican, strongly disapproved of the decision, stating that it negatively impacted conservative priorities and had detrimental effects on the nation.

Friday afternoon saw a decrease in the narrow Republican majority in Congress, as Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher, who had previously declared he would not seek re-election, announced his formal resignation from his seat on 19 April.

Given the current circumstances, Ms. Greene would require the support of just one Republican to vote out Mr Johnson successfully, provided that there are no absences and all the Democrats are willing to cooperate.

However, there is no guarantee for the last part.

Several Democrats have shown hesitation in contributing to initiating another power struggle within the House. If Ms Greene manages to persuade just a few Republicans to support Mr Johnson's removal, it would necessitate almost unanimous Democratic consent for the vote to succeed.

Last year, Democrats offered their support to remove Mr McCarthy from his position, as many believed he was dishonest. Mr. Johnson, who worked with Democrats to develop Friday's government spending package, has not caused such animosity.