Kemi Badenoch took charge of the Conservative Party last year after winning the leadership race. But this year, her real challenge is proving the party is still relevant.
Since the 2024 election, the Tories have collapsed. They lost two-thirds of their seats, and polls now place them in fourth—behind Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Some Conservatives fear more MPs will defect, adding to recent losses like Nadine Dorries and Jake Berry.
Badenoch has urged patience, telling colleagues that rebuilding takes time. She insists she has a plan and is focusing on migration, pledging to deport 150,000 people annually. Her critics say such promises echo old failures, pointing to small boat crossings that hit record highs when the Conservatives were in power.
The pressure is rising ahead of May’s local elections. If the Tories perform badly, MPs may move to replace Badenoch. Robert Jenrick and newcomer Katie Lam are tipped as possible challengers, though doubts remain about whether anyone can stop Reform’s momentum.
Badenoch argues the next election isn’t until 2029 and says polls aren’t the final word. Still, many Conservatives worry voters won’t return so soon after years of frustration.
