Source: YouGov/Ipsos tracker, May 2026. GB adults.
Approval Trend: November 2024 – May 2026
▬ Broadly stableNet approval since taking over as Conservative leader in November 2024. Source: composite YouGov/Ipsos polls.
Monthly Approval Data
| Month | Approve | Disapprove | Net | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | 26% | 32% | −6 | Elected Conservative leader; high don’t know (42%) |
| Dec 2024 | 27% | 35% | −8 | First conference speech as leader; focus on Rwanda legacy |
| Jan 2025 | 28% | 38% | −10 | Badenoch attacks government on economy; profile rising |
| Mar 2025 | 30% | 42% | −12 | Welfare reform debates; Badenoch opposes cuts on principle |
| Jun 2025 | 31% | 44% | −13 | Pressure from Reform UK flank; party polling at 22% |
| Sep 2025 | 31% | 45% | −14 | Conservative conference; economic credibility push |
| May 2026 | 32% | 47% | −15 | Conservatives polling at 19%, third behind Reform and Labour |
Issue Trust Ratings — Badenoch vs. Other Leaders
% of voters trusting each leader on each issue| Issue | Badenoch (Con) | Starmer (Labour) | Farage (Reform) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brexit Legacy & Sovereignty | 31% | 14% | 29% | Con lead |
| Economy & Growth | 26% | 22% | 22% | Con narrow lead |
| Immigration | 22% | 10% | 38% | Reform dominant |
| Housing | 19% | 21% | 20% | Three-way tie |
| Cost of Living | 20% | 18% | 29% | Reform lead |
| NHS & Healthcare | 18% | 31% | 8% | Labour lead |
| Climate & Environment | 16% | 28% | 4% | Labour lead |
Source: YouGov issue tracker, May 2026.
Conservative Leadership Context
Down from 24% at the 2024 General Election. Third place behind Reform UK and Labour.
Down from 365 in 2019. The Conservatives lost 244 seats in the July 2024 election.
Badenoch is the fifth Conservative leader since 2019: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak, then Badenoch.
About Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch became Conservative Party leader on 2 November 2024, succeeding Rishi Sunak following the party’s catastrophic defeat in the July 2024 General Election. She had previously served as Minister for Women and Equalities and Secretary of State for Business and Trade under Sunak. She is the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party.
Badenoch entered the leadership race as a right-of-centre candidate, positioning herself on issues of free speech, anti-woke culture and economic conservatism. Her initial approval ratings were characterised by high “don’t know” scores (over 40% in November 2024), reflecting the time needed for a new leader to build national name recognition. By May 2026 the don’t know figure had fallen to 21%.
Among the three main leaders, Badenoch holds the least negative net approval at −15 in May 2026. This is partly a structural advantage: opposition leaders typically have more room for manoeuvre than the incumbent PM, who must defend real-world decisions. Her strongest issue areas are Brexit legacy and sovereignty (31%), economic management (26%) and immigration (22%).
The challenge facing Badenoch is the continued threat from Reform UK on her right flank. With Nigel Farage’s party consistently polling at 26–28% nationally, the Conservatives have struggled to recapture voters who switched to Reform. The party’s 19% voting intention in May 2026 leaves it in third place behind both Reform UK and the governing Labour Party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kemi Badenoch’s approval rating?
As of May 2026, Kemi Badenoch has a net approval rating of −15, with 32% approving and 47% disapproving. She holds the least negative approval rating of the three main UK party leaders.
When did Kemi Badenoch become Conservative leader?
Kemi Badenoch was elected Conservative Party leader on 2 November 2024, succeeding Rishi Sunak after the Conservatives suffered their worst general election defeat in modern history in July 2024, losing 244 seats.
Is Badenoch more popular than Starmer?
Yes. Badenoch’s net approval of −15 is significantly better than Starmer’s −35. However, both leaders are net negative, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with mainstream British politics.
What issues does Badenoch poll strongest on?
Badenoch scores highest on Brexit legacy and national identity (31%), economic management (26%) and immigration (22%). She scores lower on NHS (18%) and climate policy (16%), where Labour leads strongly.
Explore More
Conservative Party Polling
Voting intention, seat projections and history for the Conservative Party under Badenoch.
All Politicians
Compare Badenoch’s ratings with Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage side by side.
Economy Polling
Detailed issue polling on economic management, growth and public finances by party leader.