Half of Tory Members Want Kemi Badenoch Replaced Before Next UK Election

A new YouGov poll has revealed deep divisions within the Conservative Party, with half of its members saying they do not want Kemi Badenoch to lead the Tories into the next general election.

According to the survey conducted between September 26 and October 2 for Sky News, 50 percent of Conservative members said Badenoch should step down before the polls, while only 46 percent believe she should remain leader.

When asked who they would prefer to head the party, 46 percent of respondents chose Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick as a more suitable alternative to Badenoch.

The poll also highlighted a growing interest among Conservatives in potential alliances with right-wing rival Reform UK. Nearly half of Tory members — 48 percent — said they would oppose a full merger with Reform, but 45 percent indicated support for it.

However, a significant 64 percent favored an electoral pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, where both parties would agree not to field candidates against each other in key constituencies. An even larger 73 percent said they would support forming a coalition government with Reform in the event of a hung parliament.

The findings suggest that Badenoch, who took over leadership amid efforts to rebuild the party’s image, faces mounting pressure from within her own ranks. Party insiders say the results reflect broader anxiety over declining voter confidence and fears of losing ground to Reform UK in upcoming elections.

The poll surveyed 652 Conservative Party members and underscores the uncertain political terrain ahead of Britain’s next national vote.