By London, July 2024 – Nigerian-British lawmaker Kemi Badenoch is emerging as the leading candidate to become the next leader of the Conservative Party, according to a new survey.
A poll indicates that the former minister for women and equalities, who is now the shadow housing secretary, has garnered the support of 25.83% of grassroots Tories.
The survey, conducted by independent Tory news organization Conservative Home, questioned 995 grassroots members on July 8, 9, and 10 about their preferred candidate to replace former prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Among those surveyed, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick was the second favorite, securing 13.47% of the support.
Former security minister Tom Tugendhat came in third with 12.96%, followed by former home secretary Suella Braverman at 9.75%.
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly received 9.15% support, while another former home secretary, Priti Patel, garnered 3.32%.
Despite Ms. Badenoch’s lead, the survey revealed that 16% of those polled answered “Don’t know,” suggesting that the final outcome remains uncertain.
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 centre, which on these results would likely mean a final round between Tom Tugendhat and either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick.”
