Kemi Badenoch Faces Six-Month Countdown to Revive Tory Party and Secure Leadership Say MPs
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, faces a crucial six-month period to revive the party’s fortunes or risk a leadership challenge. As she completes her first year in office, concerns among senior party members are growing regarding her ability to steer the Tories away from poor polling and the ramifications of upcoming elections.
Kemi Badenoch’s Leadership and Challenges Ahead
Insiders suggest that Badenoch must act decisively before the May elections, which will encompass results from councils in Wales, Scotland, and England. If the party performs poorly, Robert Jenrick, a former leadership rival, is seen as a leading candidate to take over.
Current Poll Performance
Despite recent praise for her performance at Prime Minister’s Questions and a well-received conference address, criticism remains rampant. Poll data shows that the Conservative Party continues to struggle with historically low ratings, averaging just 17 points, unchanged from before her major speech. One senior Tory remarked, “Nothing has changed, and we are going nowhere with her.”
- Current poll average: 17 points
- Previous year’s average when she took leadership: 24 percent
Defections and Internal Pressure
Since Badenoch assumed leadership, the Conservative Party has seen significant defections, notably to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. High-profile exits include sitting MP Danny Kruger and former party chair Sir Jake Berry, alongside numerous councillors.
There is increasing speculation about other Conservative MPs considering switching allegiances. Current sentiments within the party reveal a mix of urgency for a leadership change and concerns over how such a move might be perceived by the public.
The Need for Support and Strategic Direction
Poll analysts report that while Badenoch’s public recognition is improving, it lacks translation into tangible support for the party. Recent council by-elections suggest a potential upturn in her image, with a YouGov poll indicating 51 percent approval from Tory voters. However, political experts warn that this approval is tepid and does not guarantee electoral success.
Renowned pollster Professor Sir John Curtice emphasizes that to improve her standing, Badenoch needs to distance herself from predecessors like Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Voter confidence in her economic strategy hinges on this perception shift.
Conservative Party’s Future Direction
Badenoch remains committed to her vision for the party, focusing on rebuilding its principles and reconnecting with its grassroots after failing to fully engage with many local associations. A recent memo revealed that the Tories lack key contact information for 131 out of 600 local associations.
In her own words, Badenoch stated, “This first year of my leadership has been about rebuilding our party, our principles, and our plan for Britain.” She asserts that after a potential defeat in 2024, a focus on fundamental party values is essential.
The next six months will be critical for Badenoch. The actions taken now could determine whether she can secure her leadership and revive the Conservative Party’s standing ahead of the pivotal elections in May.
