As Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch approaches her first 100 days in office, a new poll has unveiled widespread skepticism about her potential to lead the UK as Prime Minister. The YouGov survey paints a stark picture, showing that only a fraction of the electorate views Badenoch as a credible candidate for the country’s highest office.
The poll, released on February 10, 2025, reveals a concerning lack of confidence in Badenoch’s leadership across all segments of the British public. Just 14% of voters believe she has what it takes to be the next Prime Minister, a figure that underscores the challenges she faces as leader of the Conservative Party.
While Badenoch enjoys strong backing within her party, where 56% of Conservative voters approve of her performance, her overall standing among the broader electorate is significantly less reassuring. According to the poll, fewer than half of those who voted for the Conservatives in the 2024 election (48%) see her as a viable future leader.
The poll also highlights deep divisions within the UK electorate. A staggering two-thirds of voters who supported opposition parties such as Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK view Badenoch as unsuitable for the role of Prime Minister. This level of distrust is compounded by concerns about her trustworthiness: 39% of respondents consider her untrustworthy, compared to only 19% who believe she is trustworthy.
Badenoch’s image as a leader also suffers from a significant unlikability factor, with 39% of voters describing her as “dislikable,” while just 24% view her favorably. These results point to a tough road ahead as the Conservative leader struggles to win over voters who are critical of her leadership style and personal qualities.
Despite these challenges, Badenoch’s position within the Conservative Party remains somewhat secure. Conservative voters continue to show confidence in her abilities, with 56% rating her leadership positively, while only 17% express dissatisfaction. This support from her party base is crucial, especially given the party’s declining popularity in the polls.
The latest figures also suggest a broader issue for the Conservative Party, with a YouGov poll last week showing the Tories slipping to third place behind Reform UK and Labour. However, the new poll suggests that the party’s struggles may not be entirely linked to Badenoch’s leadership. In fact, two-thirds of voters, including 59% of Conservative supporters, believe the party would find itself in the same position regardless of who was at the helm.
This raises questions about the party’s broader issues and whether the leadership itself is truly the root cause of the Tories’ troubles. Many Conservative insiders argue that the party’s troubles are more systemic and reflect broader challenges within the political landscape, rather than simply the performance of one leader.
In addition to this, speculation about a potential deal between the Conservatives and Reform UK has been growing. Senior Conservative figures have been hesitant to rule out the possibility of an electoral pact, a move that could shift the dynamics ahead of the next general election. A senior Tory frontbencher recently dodged questions from Sky News host Trevor Phillips about whether such a deal would be on the table.
The speculation is further fueled by polling data from JL Partners for The Sunday Times, which suggests that Reform UK could win 102 seats in the next election, a dramatic increase from the five seats they currently hold. Meanwhile, Labour is predicted to lose 211 seats, although it would still remain the largest party with 200 MPs. The Conservatives, with 190 seats, would trail just behind, adding another layer of complexity to the political situation.
Badenoch’s tenure as Conservative leader is clearly under intense scrutiny, both from within her party and the broader public. While her supporters within the Conservative ranks remain loyal, the wider electorate remains unconvinced about her ability to lead the country. Her challenge in the coming months will be to win over those who are skeptical about her leadership potential and prove that she has the necessary qualities to guide the nation through its current political and economic difficulties.
If Badenoch is to turn the tide and secure a positive image as a potential Prime Minister, she will need to address not only questions about her trustworthiness and likability but also the larger issues facing her party. With the next general election looming, it remains to be seen whether she can overcome these obstacles and emerge as a credible leader for the country.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Badenoch as she navigates the challenges ahead. Will she be able to build on her party’s support and convince the electorate that she is ready to take the reins of the nation? Or will she remain a leader with significant hurdles to overcome in the eyes of the public?
For now, the future of Kemi Badenoch’s leadership appears uncertain, and much will depend on her ability to rebuild her public image and win over the voters who remain unconvinced about her prime ministerial prospects. Only time will tell whether she can rise to the challenge and prove that she is indeed fit to lead the United Kingdom.
Context and Background
Kemi Badenoch, who assumed the leadership of the Conservative Party in late 2024, has faced a turbulent political environment. The UK has grappled with economic challenges, shifting political allegiances, and increasing divisions within the electorate. Badenoch’s leadership has been marked by controversy and scrutiny, especially as the country remains divided over issues such as Brexit, national security, and the cost of living.
As leader, Badenoch faces the delicate task of steering the party through these turbulent times while positioning herself as a credible alternative to opposition leaders. However, the growing discontent among voters about her leadership could spell trouble as she prepares for the next general election, which could reshape the political landscape in the UK.
