A significant portion of dissatisfied Conservative members are losing faith in Kemi Badenoch, with half of them indicating that she should not lead the party into the next election. According to a YouGov poll, only 46% believe she should continue as the leader in the upcoming election, while 50% oppose this idea.
The survey also revealed a divide among members regarding Badenoch’s future leadership. Nearly half, 49%, expect her to step down before the next election, while 47% anticipate her remaining in her current position.
Although Badenoch emerged victorious over Robert Jenrick in the previous leadership contest, the poll indicates a shift in member favorability towards Jenrick at 46% compared to Badenoch’s 39%.
As Reform UK gains traction over the Tories, 64% of members support the idea of an electoral pact with Nigel Farage’s party, with 46% even endorsing a full merger with Reform UK.
In contrast, Conservative members overwhelmingly reject the notion of a coalition with the Labour party, with 93% opposing it. However, 73% are open to the idea of a coalition with Reform UK, with only 25% against it.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, garners favor from slightly more than half of Conservative members at 53%, while 45% hold an unfavorable view of him.
Despite calls for collaboration with Reform UK, Badenoch has consistently dismissed the possibility of a pact, citing concerns over Farage’s past statements about dismantling the Conservative party.
At the Conservative party conference in Manchester, delegates have expressed disappointment with the lackluster event, noting the absence of supporters and protesters alike.
The survey conducted by YouGov for Sky News polled 652 Conservative members between September 26 and October 2.