A new YouGov poll has revealed that nearly half of Conservative Party members in the UK want party leader Kemi Badenoch replaced before the next general election.
The poll, conducted between September 26 and October 2 and reported by Sky News on October 6, showed that only 46% of members back Badenoch to lead the party into the election, while 50% believe she should step aside.
Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who lost the leadership race to Badenoch a year ago, has now emerged as the preferred candidate among members.
When asked who they would rather see lead the Conservatives, 46% chose Jenrick, compared to 39% for Badenoch. Eleven percent supported neither, and 4% were undecided.
The findings also show uncertainty about Badenoch’s political future. While 47% of members believe she will remain leader until the election, 49% think she will be ousted before then.
Despite the doubts, Badenoch is expected to use the party’s annual conference in Manchester this week to solidify her position and rally support.
The poll also explored members’ opinions on potential electoral strategies. Badenoch has ruled out any alliance with Reform UK, but party members seem to disagree: 64% support forming an electoral pact to avoid competing in key constituencies, while 31% oppose the idea.
On personal favourability, Badenoch still enjoys strong support within the party — 70% of members view her positively, though 29% have an unfavourable opinion. Jenrick, however, fares slightly better, with 73% viewing him favourably and just 20% unfavourably.
The poll also suggests Jenrick would outperform other senior Conservatives such as Boris Johnson, James Cleverly, and Priti Patel in a leadership contest. If matched head-to-head, Badenoch would narrowly defeat Johnson.
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