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| Senior MPs debate Tory leadership ahead elections |
The Conservative Party is in turmoil six months into Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. More than two dozen MPs and party officials say she lacks the right plan for voters. They want a new face for the next general election .
Local elections on May 1 are set to inflict heavy losses on the Tories. Pollsters predict a sharp drop in council seats across England . Many MPs see those results as proof Badenoch has failed to connect with key voters .
Inside Westminster, whispers grow that shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick should take her place. His supporters argue he can sharpen the party’s message on immigration and crime. Jenrick has denied seeking a formal deal with Reform UK .
Other senior Conservatives urge calm. They warn that hasty leadership moves could fuel splits. Former ministers call for policy fixes on the economy and public services instead of unity pacts with Farage’s party .
Political experts note the Tories and Reform UK hold different economic views. A full alliance seems unlikely now. Both parties risk losing ground if they unite too closely .
Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Tories, won her seat at the 2024 contest. She vowed to restore core party values and beat Labour. But critics say her cultural focus neglected bread-and-butter issues.
She has managed expectations ahead of polls. In media briefings, she said the party must earn voter trust again. Still, rising support for Reform UK offers a stark warning.
Jenrick’s backers believe fresh leadership could rally right-leaning voters. They point to his calls for a tougher approach on migration. But moderates fear such a shift might alienate centrist supporters.
For now, Badenoch remains in charge. A formal challenge would need a serving MP to trigger a vote. Any open contest risks more bad headlines before local ballots.
As results arrive Thursday, Conservative lawmakers must decide. They can back Badenoch through the crisis or turn to new leadership. Either choice shapes the party’s path to the 2029 general election.