Kemi Badenoch voted most popular party leader in major boost for Conservatives

Fintan Starkey
Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:02:15 +0000

Kemi Badenoch has taken a surprise win for the Conservative party after being named Britain's most popular party leader in a new poll.

The Tory leader sits at minus nine, placing her comfortably ahead of the Prime Minister, whose rating stands at minus 42.

Sir Keir Starmer also finds himself trailing both Nigel Farage and Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who share a rating of minus 16.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, fresh from launching his local election campaign with a Great British Bake Off-themed stunt, occupies second place on minus 11.

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves matches the Prime Minister's struggles, recording minus 41, in the survey taken by More in Common.

Ms Badenoch's improved standing derives from what observers have widely considered confident performances during Prime Minister's Questions.

She has challenged the Government on both economic matters and the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson.

The Opposition's use of the humble address procedure compelled the release of documents, emails and phone records connected to the Labour peer, causing significant difficulty for the Government.

Further disclosures are anticipated, which could inflict additional damage on the Labour leadership.

The Tory leader consolidated her position at the party's autumn conference, where she unveiled proposals to scrap stamp duty for buyers purchasing their primary residence.

This policy announcement was seen as cementing her authority within the party.

Her standing among Conservative members is equally strong, with a separate ConservativeHome poll placing her atop the shadow cabinet league table for the third consecutive time.

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Ms Badenoch achieved a net satisfaction rating of plus 82.1, representing a 0.5 point increase.

This represents a dramatic turnaround from earlier periods when her ConservativeHome ratings occasionally sat at zero.

She first claimed the top spot before Robert Jenrick's departure to Reform UK.

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy follows in second place with plus 67.6, while Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride records plus 60.7.

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp round out the top five on plus 56.3 and plus 56.2, respectively.

Despite Ms Badenoch's personal polling gains, both major parties face a difficult May at the local elections.

The Greens and Reform UK are expected to attract tens of thousands of voters disillusioned with the traditional parties.

Current YouGov figures place Reform at the top on 23 per cent, with the Conservatives and Greens tied at 19 per cent.

Labour trails on 18 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats on 12 per cent.

The governing party is projected to shed approximately 2,000 council seats, a result that would intensify scrutiny of Sir Keir's leadership.

The Conservatives are similarly braced for substantial losses as insurgent parties continue their advance.