Kemi Badenoch’s future as Tory leader under threat after local elections blow
Moment Reform's Sarah Pochin wins dramatic Runcorn by-election
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.