Politics

Kemi Badenoch enters party conference in strengthened position, polling suggests

The Conservative leader has seen personal and party ratings recover over the past year, according to The Guardian.

Updated Oct 4, 2026 · 14:20 UTC4 reports

The short version

Conservative Party polling has recovered from historic lows in the mid-teens to the low 20s, occasionally leading Reform UK.[The Guardian]
Kemi Badenoch's personal net approval ratings improved significantly across major surveys, and she holds an 87% satisfaction rating among party members.[The Guardian]
Party strategists view the defections of right-wing rivals to Reform UK as a stabilizing turning point for her leadership.[The Guardian]
Insiders caution that her long-term position remains vulnerable unless the party builds and maintains a consistent lead over Reform UK.[The Guardian]

Conservative polling recovered from historic lows of 14% to 16% up into the low 20s, periodically passing Reform UK for the first time in nearly two years.[The Guardian]
Opinium polling showed Badenoch's approval rating increased from -27 in May 2025 to -3, with 64% approval among 2024 party voters.[The Guardian]
A ConservativeHome survey recorded an 87% net satisfaction rating for Badenoch among grassroots party members.[The Guardian]
The defections of Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman to Reform UK removed internal right-wing destabilization.[The Guardian]

Party aides and insiders warn that Badenoch's long-term leadership remains insecure if the party cannot maintain a sustained polling advantage over Reform UK.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.