A wave of discontent is sweeping through the Conservative Party as Members of Parliament plan to hold critical meetings this week aimed at removing their leader, Kemi Badenoch.
The discussions come in the wake of a disastrous showing in local elections, where the party lost 15 councils and a staggering 674 seats, fueling fears that the Tories are losing their grip on national relevance.
Two senior Tory backbenchers have confirmed that plans are in motion to consult fellow MPs about Badenoch’s future. “We cannot continue as we are, and she [Ms Badenoch] is just not up to the task,” said one MP who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The election results were not just a blow to morale but a seismic shift in the party’s standing. Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, gained 676 seats and secured control of 10 councils, prompting Farage to boldly declare his party the new opposition to Labour.
One Conservative MP expressed frustration over the scale of the defeat.
“These results were actually worse than last year’s general election. We have somehow gone backwards.”
Conservative MP
In response to the crisis, several MPs are reportedly encouraging Robert Jenrick to consider a renewed bid for party leadership, just six months after his initial attempt fell short.
Jenrick, who currently serves as shadow justice secretary, has remained notably active, highlighting on social media that all Conservative candidates in his Newark seat were successful, even as hundreds of others across the country lost their posts.
Sir James Cleverly, former foreign secretary, is also being mentioned as a potential candidate. Though he has publicly voiced his support for Badenoch — “She knows she has my full support.”
Reform Gains Fuel Internal Turmoil
Growing dissatisfaction within the party stems not only from the election losses but from Badenoch’s perceived failure to confront Reform UK effectively. A proposal to create an anti-Reform task force, involving ex-Ukip and Brexit Party members who have since joined the Tories, was allegedly ignored by Badenoch despite backing from veteran MP Sir Bill Cash.
“I feel like I have been banging my head against a brick wall trying to find out what the strategy is to take on Farage and Reform. There has been nothing,” said a senior backbencher, echoing widespread internal frustration.
Adding to the criticism, some MPs have questioned Badenoch’s judgment in appointing former MPs Rachel MacLean and Therese Coffey to senior positions, suggesting they are out of touch with the gravity of the situation. “They just don’t seem to understand the trouble we are in,” one MP remarked.
Amid the chaos, Badenoch’s critics argue she lacks a coherent political vision.
“If we give Kemi another year, it could be curtains for us. There are no policies, no ideas, no strategy, and she has no charisma.”
Badenoch’s critics
However, any effort to unseat her in the short term may face procedural hurdles. According to updated party rules, a third of Conservative MPs must submit letters to the 1922 Committee to trigger a confidence vote. Furthermore, Badenoch cannot be challenged until she has served a full year in office, limiting options for a swift leadership transition.
But some party members are breaking cover. Jason Smithers, the former Conservative leader of North Northamptonshire Council, publicly called for Badenoch’s resignation following the electoral losses. “I can’t see how a leader of a party can stay on with such terrible results across the country,” he stated.
With Reform surging and internal divisions mounting, the Conservative Party appears to be at a crossroads. Whether Badenoch can weather the storm or is replaced before the year is out remains to be seen.
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