Kemi Badenoch’s Conservatives wish they could be as popular as she is
Tory strategists will put leader Kemi Badenoch front and center this fall as her personal popularity outstrips her party’s standing.
LONDON — Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has seen her popularity rise significantly since taking the helm following the party's 2024 general election defeat. A recent YouGov poll found that 38% of Brits think she is doing well as party leader, up 23 points from last October. Many view her as decisive (43%) and competent (40%).
However, only 20% believe the Conservative Party is ready to govern again, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham enjoys higher public approval. Badenoch's staff aims to promote her popularity by highlighting other members of the shadow Cabinet, but it has yet to translate into better party polls. Shadow ministers plan to focus the party's annual conference in October on Badenoch, emphasizing her strong principles and stable leadership as a contrast to Burnham's perceived indecision.
Badenoch's economic vision is seen as a way to differentiate the party, with her response to last year's budget going viral and positioning her as the primary economic strategist. Reform leader Nigel Farage's recent troubles and MPs' focus on Badenoch have strengthened the Conservatives' position against Burnham.
Written by urgent.news from Politico EU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
