David Cameron's schoolfriend says his rival would be 'a great prime minister' Mr Wiggin and Mr Cameron have known each other since childhood, though they are not close. Mr Wiggin's career has not prospered under his schoolmate's leadership. A member of the shadow cabinet until 2005, he suffered a series of demotions under Mr Cameron and was sacked as a Government whip last year. Mr Wiggin told The Daily Telegraph he believed that Mr Afriyie had the talent to do Mr Cameron's job "one day," but insisted he was not part of any attempt to oust the Prime Minister. He said: "Would Adam Afriyie be a good prime minister? I like him, he's a great chap. He might well be a great prime minister one day. But there is not a vacancy and I do not know of any attempt to create one. I don't know about any plot to remove David Cameron. It's nothing to do with me. The possible plot has been mocked by some MPs, who question Mr Afriyie's credibility as a party leader. However, others suggested the challenge was serious because so many MPs were unhappy with the performance of the party under Mr Cameron. Under party rules, if 46 Conservative MPs write a formal letter requesting a confidence vote in Mr Cameron's leadership, a ballot must be held. Some MPs believe that while Mr Cameron would win such a vote, a significant number would vote against him. "The Afriyie thing seems to have gained momentum since it went public," said a Government member. I still don't believe he'll ever be leader, but he could trigger a confidence vote, and that would be the end of Dave. Mr Cameron's aides insist he is relaxed about potential challenges. However, Conservative MPs say there is "almost universal" discontent with George Osborne, who also oversees the party's political strategy. Mr Cameron has backed Mr Osborne, insisting that the Chancellor will remain in his job, despite attracting criticism for his economic record.