Senior figures within the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom (UK) are reportedly finalizing a strategy to remove Kemi Badenoch as leader and replace her with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
According to a report published by The Sun on Sunday, the internal discussions gained momentum following a significant blow to the party during the May 1 local elections, where the Conservatives lost 674 council seats—approximately two-thirds of those they were defending.
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In a dramatic shift, Reform UK secured 677 seats, surpassing the Tories and intensifying pressure on the party’s leadership.
An opinion poll placed the Conservatives in fourth place, trailing behind Reform UK, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats. The party’s collapse in support followed a week of plunging polling figures, heightening dissatisfaction within its ranks and prompting urgent conversations about leadership change.
Badenoch, who has led the party for six months, is being criticized for what many see as a lackluster performance and misplaced priorities.
One party insider, speaking to The Sun, summed up the growing frustration: “We keep sharpening our knives and putting them back down again. Things are pretty grim.”
Reform UK’s rise has further complicated the Tories’ situation, as it is increasingly being viewed as the dominant force on the political right. This has prompted some within the Conservative Party to see Johnson as their most viable contender against Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK.
A separate poll earlier this month reinforced this belief, identifying Johnson as the Conservatives’ strongest candidate to challenge Farage in the upcoming elections.
Johnson, who assumed office as Prime Minister in 2019 following roles as London Mayor and foreign secretary, resigned in July 2022 amid mounting controversies. He briefly considered a return to leadership after Liz Truss’s resignation but was ultimately sidelined in favor of Rishi Sunak.
Current party rules prevent any formal leadership challenge to Badenoch until November, marking a year since her appointment.
However, sources suggest that an alternative route could involve coordinated resignations from members of the shadow cabinet to force her hand.
Beyond Johnson, other names reportedly under consideration include Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, and Laura Trott, shadow education secretary.
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