Kemi Badenoch’s future as Tory leader under threat after local elections blow

LocalPolitics
3 May 2025 • 4:22 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Following disastrous local election results, senior Tories are plotting to replace Kemi Badenoch as party leader, potentially the fourth leader in under four years.
  • Robert Jenrick, who previously lost to Badenoch in a leadership bid, is being urged to challenge her leadership.
  • Badenoch is criticised for lacking vision and effective policies, failing to perform well in Prime Minister’s Questions, and not adequately addressing the rise of the Reform Party.
  • The scale of the Tory losses, including significant defeats to Reform in key areas, has shattered party confidence and fueled speculation about a leadership change.
  • Despite the pressure, party co-chairman Nigel Huddleston insists Badenoch's position is "solid," while Badenoch herself downplays the election results and emphasizes the ongoing renewal of the party.

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