Conservative Party members remain divided over whether Kemi Badenoch should lead them into the next UK general election.
Although the national vote isn’t expected until August 2029, local council elections in May 2026 have already reignited leadership debates within the party.
Speculation about Badenoch’s future grew after a noticeable decline in polling ahead of the most recent local elections.
Pre-election surveys predicted a rough showing for the Conservatives, citing concerns that Badenoch had “performed poorly and focused on the wrong issues.”
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These warnings were validated when the party secured just 15 percent of the vote.
The vote marked the party’s weakest local election performance since 1995.
A YouGov poll conducted among 652 Tory members found growing dissatisfaction with Badenoch’s leadership.
While a majority of about 70% held a favorable opinion of her, nearly a third (29%) viewed her unfavourably.
When asked to assess her performance, 61 percent believed Badenoch was “doing a good job as party leader,” but 37 percent disagreed, saying she was “doing a bad job.”
Almost half of those polled said Badenoch “should not lead the Conservatives at the ballot box,” compared with 39 percent who supported her as the right candidate for prime minister.
YouGov highlighted a notable shift in loyalty, stating: “Even among those who voted for her to be party leader last year, 30% believe Badenoch should be replaced as party leader by the next general election.”
As speculation grows around potential successors, Robert Jenrick—Badenoch’s main rival in the 2024 leadership contest and now shadow justice secretary, has emerged as the membership’s top pick.
Other names gaining traction include former prime minister Boris Johnson and shadow housing secretary James Cleverly.
