Nearly half of Conservative Party members believe Kemi Badenoch should resign before the next general election, according to a new YouGov poll that reveals growing unrest within the party. The survey, released on October 6 and reported by Sky News, found that 50 percent of members think Badenoch should not lead the Conservatives into the 2029 general election, while 46 percent believe she should. The findings underscore deep divisions over the party’s direction following its heavy defeat in 2024.
Badenoch, 45, made history last year as the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party, taking over after the Conservatives were reduced to 121 seats. However, her leadership has faced internal tension, weak polling, and criticism that she has prioritized cultural debates over key economic and social issues.
While she still enjoys some support among party loyalists, the new data suggests her influence is waning. YouGov reported that 61 percent of members think she is doing a good job, compared to 37 percent who disagree. Around 70 percent of members view her positively overall, but 29 percent hold an unfavourable opinion. Even among those who supported her in last year’s leadership race, 30 percent now believe she should be replaced before the next election.
The poll also highlights the rising popularity of Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary and Badenoch’s main challenger in the previous leadership contest. He emerged as the preferred successor, backed by 37 percent of members. Former prime minister Boris Johnson remains a nostalgic favourite for 22 percent, while 20 percent support shadow housing secretary James Cleverly.
The results come at a difficult time for Badenoch, as the Conservatives continue to face by-election and local council defeats in 2025. National polling still places the party far behind Labour, with a recent YouGov projection suggesting the Conservatives would win only 45 seats if an election were held today — their lowest figure in modern history. Just 11 percent of the public believe the party is ready to govern again.
Some senior figures within the party have warned that without significant change, the Conservatives risk another collapse in 2029. “Members are frustrated that we haven’t learned from last year,” one insider said. “There’s a sense that Kemi is trying to appeal to the wrong audience, and it’s not resonating with voters.”
Others continue to defend Badenoch, describing her as principled and focused on long-term reform. Her allies dismissed the poll as “unrepresentative,” saying she remains committed to rebuilding public trust and modernizing the party.
Nonetheless, discontent is spreading. Nearly half of respondents (49 percent) believe Badenoch will be removed before the next election, while 47 percent think she will remain in office until 2029. The survey also found growing support among members for closer ties — or even a merger — with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, indicating a possible rightward shift at the grassroots level.
Badenoch now faces a critical challenge: persuading a divided party that she can restore its credibility and lead it back to power. For the moment, her toughest battle appears to be not with Labour, but within her own ranks.
