The Conservative Party is deeply divided over whether Kemi Badenoch should lead them into the next general election, according to new polling among party members.
The next UK general election is scheduled for August 2029, with local council polls set for May 2026. However, growing dissatisfaction with Badenoch’s leadership has sparked renewed debate about the party’s direction following its poor performance in recent local elections.
The Conservatives won just 15% of the vote in May’s local council elections, their worst result since 1995. Analysts say the outcome confirmed earlier projections that the party would suffer heavy losses, amid criticism that Badenoch had “focused on the wrong issues” and failed to connect with voters.
A YouGov poll of 652 Conservative Party members revealed signs of unease within the party. While around 70% of members still view Badenoch favourably, nearly three in ten (29%) expressed an unfavourable opinion of her leadership.
When asked to rate her performance, 61% said she was doing a good job, compared to 37% who said she was not. But the most divisive question was whether Badenoch should lead the Conservatives into the 2029 general election with 50% of members saying she should not, and 46% backing her to remain as the party’s standard-bearer.
“Even among those who voted for her to be party leader last year, 30% believe Badenoch should be replaced before the next general election,” YouGov said in the poll results published on 6 October.
Among potential successors, Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary and Badenoch’s main rival in the 2024 leadership contest, emerged as the top choice among Conservative members. Former prime minister Boris Johnson and shadow housing secretary James Cleverly were also named as preferred alternatives.
The findings highlight a party struggling to regain its footing after a bruising series of electoral setbacks and suggest Badenoch’s leadership could face renewed pressure in the months ahead.
