Former Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party,
according to a new poll.
A recent survey conducted by Conservative Home reveals that Badenoch, currently serving as the Shadow Housing Secretary, has garnered the support of 25.83% of grassroots Tory members.
The poll, which questioned 995 grassroots members on July 8, 9, and 10, indicates that former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick is the second favorite, with 13.47% backing him. Following Jenrick, former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat secured 12.96% support, and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman garnered 9.75%.
Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly has 9.15% support, while another former Home Secretary, Priti Patel, trails with 3.32%.
Despite Badenoch's lead, 16% of those polled answered "Don't know," suggesting the race remains open and unpredictable.
Henry Hill, Deputy Editor of Conservative Home, told the Sunday Times: "Conservative leadership contests normally end up with a candidate of the right versus a candidate of the center. Based on these results, it would likely mean a final round between Tom Tugendhat and either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick. However, with 'Don't know' being the second-largest group and a wide spread of support among potential candidates, the race is still wide open."
Hill added in an accompanying article: "The lack of an overwhelming favorite means there is plenty of scope for contenders to prove their worth to the membership and fight their way to the final two – and ultimately to the leader's office."
The Sunday Times also reported that the Conservative Party board is set to elect new MP representatives on Wednesday. Following these elections, more details about the leadership contest are expected to be announced by the end of the week.
As of now, no Conservative candidate has officially declared their intention to stand for the leadership position. Photo by Department for International Trade and The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.