Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is facing mounting pressure from within her party, as a new YouGov poll reveals that nearly half of Tory members believe she should be replaced before the next general election.
According to the survey, conducted between September 26 and October 2 and reported by Sky News, 50% of Conservative members say Badenoch should not lead the party into the next election, while 46% support her continued leadership43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
The poll also shows a clear shift in favour of Robert Jenrick, who lost to Badenoch in last year’s leadership contest. When asked who they would prefer as party leader, 46% of members chose Jenrick, compared to 39% for Badenoch. Another 11% said neither, and 4% were undecided43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
Party members are also split on whether Badenoch will survive politically until the next election. While 49% believe she will be ousted before then, 47% think she will remain in place43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
Despite the leadership concerns, Badenoch still enjoys a relatively strong personal rating among members. The poll found that 70% hold a favourable opinion of her, while 29% view her unfavourably. Jenrick, however, edges ahead with 73% favourable and 20% unfavourable ratings43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
The poll also highlighted a growing divide over electoral strategy. Badenoch has rejected any form of pact with Reform UK, but 64% of Tory members support such an arrangement, which would see both parties avoid competing against each other in key constituencies43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
The Conservative leader will be hoping that this week’s party conference in Manchester helps stabilise her position amid growing internal dissent. Meanwhile, reports suggest that allies of Jenrick are quietly preparing to challenge Badenoch’s leadership once her immunity from removal expires in early November43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054.
