A recent YouGov poll has revealed growing dissatisfaction within the Conservative Party, with 50 percent of party members saying that Kemi Badenoch should not lead the Tories into the next general election. The poll adds pressure on Badenoch, who made history in 2024 as the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party.
Growing Division Over Badenoch’s Leadership
The survey, conducted among 652 Conservative Party members and reported by, shows that while 46 percent of respondents still support Badenoch leading the party into the next general election, half believe she should be replaced.
Among members who initially backed Badenoch in the 2024 leadership contest, 30 percent now say she should step down. This marks a significant erosion of confidence within her core base.
Despite the division, Badenoch’s approval ratings are relatively strong, with 61 percent saying she is doing a “good job” and 37 percent stating she is performing poorly. These figures suggest that while her performance is not universally condemned, doubts remain about her electoral viability.
Robert Jenrick Emerges as Leading Successor
The poll also tested potential replacements for Badenoch. Robert Jenrick, her closest rival in the 2024 leadership race, emerged as the favourite among party members to take over. Jenrick was preferred over other senior figures like James Cleverly, Priti Patel, and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Political Context: Badenoch Under Pressure
Kemi Badenoch was elected party leader following the Conservatives’ defeat in the 2024 general election, which saw the Labour Party return to power. Her tenure has been defined by a focus on cultural issues, deregulation, and Brexit-related reforms, positions that have gained her international media attention but have not translated into a polling resurgence.
What This Means for the Conservative Party
This growing internal divide comes at a time when the Conservative Party is struggling to redefine itself after 14 years in government and a significant electoral defeat. The question of whether to move further right or return to centrist principles continues to dominate party debates.
If Badenoch fails to unite the party and improve its standing among voters, pressure for a leadership change could intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
