Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, has surged to become the most popular political leader, thanks to her no-nonsense style, according to a new More in Common poll.
Born in London and raised partly in Nigeria, Badenoch’s net approval rating has jumped to -9—up dramatically from -32 before her party’s October conference. She now leads Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey (-11), Reform UK’s Nigel Farage (-16), Green Party’s Zack Polanski (-16), and even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (-42).
Recent bold moves, like challenging Starmer on Angela Rayner’s tax issues and the Peter Mandelson scandal, appear to have boosted her standing. Pollster Luke Tryl noted her rising name recognition: “Last summer, focus groups barely knew her. Now, even non-Tory voters spontaneously praise her conviction and straightforwardness.”
Badenoch edges Farage on traits like caring about people and transparency, though she trails him on perceived strength. Still, her party’s overall popularity hasn’t budged.
