A recent YouGov poll has revealed growing discontent within the UK’s Conservative Party, with nearly 50% of party members expressing opposition to Kemi Badenoch continuing as leader ahead of the next general election.
The poll, conducted between September 26 and October 2 and reported by Sky News, shows that only 46% of Conservative Party members support Badenoch leading the Tories into the next election, while 50% believe she should step down.
The data suggests that former Home Secretary Robert Jenrick, who lost to Badenoch in the party leadership race a year ago, is now the preferred choice among members.
When asked who they would rather see as party leader, 46% chose Jenrick, compared to 39% who backed Badenoch.
Another 11% picked neither, and 4% were undecided.
The poll also highlighted doubts about Badenoch’s political longevity, with 49% believing she will be replaced before the election, while 47% think she will remain in post.
These internal party tensions come as Badenoch prepares for this week’s Conservative Party conference in Manchester, which many see as a critical opportunity for her to solidify her leadership.
Despite declining support, Badenoch still enjoys a relatively strong approval rating, with 70% of Tory members viewing her favourably.
However, Jenrick edges her out with 73% holding a favourable opinion of him, and only 20% expressing an unfavourable view, compared to Badenoch’s 29%.
The poll also sheds light on internal divisions over the party’s stance on Reform UK.
While Badenoch has ruled out any electoral pact with the right-wing party, 64% of Conservative members support such an agreement, suggesting a willingness to avoid splitting the conservative vote in key constituencies. Only 31% opposed the idea.
According to the report, Jenrick would outperform several other prominent Tory figures in a head-to-head leadership contest, including Boris Johnson, Priti Patel, and James Cleverly.
In a hypothetical matchup, Badenoch would narrowly defeat Johnson but trail behind Jenrick.
