By Musemil Abubakar
Nearly half of Conservative Party members in the United Kingdom believe Kemi Badenoch should be replaced as party leader before the next general election, according to a new YouGov poll reported by Sky News.
The survey found that 50% of Tory members think Badenoch should not lead the party into the polls, while 46% said she should. The findings come as her leadership faces renewed pressure ahead of the party’s annual conference in Manchester.
Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who lost to Badenoch in last year’s leadership contest, has now emerged as the members’ preferred choice, with 46% supporting him compared to Badenoch’s 39%.
The poll, conducted between September 26 and October 2 among 652 Conservative members, also revealed that 49% believe Badenoch will be ousted before the election, while 47% think she will remain in office.
Despite the division, Badenoch still enjoys a strong personal rating, with 70% viewing her favourably. Jenrick, however, scored higher, with 73% holding a positive opinion of him.
The poll also showed a growing split within the party over potential alliances. While Badenoch has ruled out any electoral pact with Reform UK, 64% of members said they would support such an agreement to avoid splitting the right-wing vote.
