By Our Correspondent
In the wake of a bruising local election defeat for the Conservative Party of Britain, pressure is mounting on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, as senior figures within the party reportedly begin manoeuvring to replace her.
Sources revealed that discussions were already underway prior to Thursday’s elections, with several senior MPs now actively encouraging shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick—who came second to Badenoch in the last leadership race—to prepare a leadership challenge.
The local election results delivered a stark rebuke to the Tories, with the party losing hundreds of council seats across England, including in previously strong Conservative areas. In Durham, the party was reduced to a single seat, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK secured 65. Similarly, in Lincolnshire, a former Tory stronghold, Reform swept to victory, even capturing the mayoralty via former Conservative MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns.
“Kemi has no vision, no grasp of policy, and no cut-through at PMQs. Worse still, she’s been ineffective against the Reform threat,” one senior Tory MP told The Independent. “It’s time for Robert [Jenrick] to step up.”
Others voiced more blunt criticism. “She just does not have it,” said a former ally of Badenoch. “We either back Jenrick now or many of us will jump to Reform.”
Still, some caution remains within the party. “We can’t keep changing leaders. It makes us look ridiculous in front of the electorate,” warned an MP who backed Jenrick previously.
The results have left many in the party rattled. In Kent, Devon, and Shropshire, the Tories endured heavy losses. In Peterborough and Lincolnshire, Paul Bristow’s mayoral win was a rare bright spot amid widespread council defeats. Nationally, projected vote shares place the Tories in fourth place at just 15 per cent, trailing behind Reform (30 per cent), Labour (20 per cent), and the Liberal Democrats (17 per cent).
Despite growing unrest, Badenoch’s allies insist her position remains secure. Conservative Party co-chair Nigel Huddleston defended her leadership, stating: “Kemi’s position is certainly solid. She’s only been leader for six months. People everywhere wanted to see and hear more from her.”
Nevertheless, party insiders note that it would take 30 per cent of sitting Tory MPs to trigger a formal vote of no confidence. Yet with internal discontent rising and rivals like Jenrick and even former home secretary James Cleverly waiting in the wings, the embattled leader may soon face a pivotal test.
As the party stares down a possible fourth leadership contest in four years, all eyes are now on Westminster—and Robert Jenrick’s next move.
With Additional reports by The Indeondent
