Kemi Badenoch has become the first party leader to achieve a positive approval rating since the 2024 general election, according to a poll by More in Common. The Tory leader's net approval rating now stands at plus three, with more respondents believing she is performing well than poorly.
More in Common's survey of over 2,000 adults found that 32 percent rated her job performance as very good or somewhat good, while 29 percent held a negative view. This marks a significant increase from last October, when Badenoch's rating was minus 32.
This is the first time any party leader has registered a positive net approval rating since the period immediately following the 2024 general election, when Sir Keir Starmer experienced a brief honeymoon phase as Labour leader. The outgoing Prime Minister's net approval rating is currently minus 42, though it has slightly improved from a low of minus 51 in November.
Andy Burnham, who is set to become the Labour leader and Prime Minister, also holds a plus three approval rating. However, his standing has decreased from plus nine in the previous month before he assumes office.
Nigel Farage's popularity has declined to minus 24, his lowest point since the election, according to fieldwork conducted last weekend amidst controversy surrounding his finances.
Luke Tryl, UK director of More in Common, noted the diverging fortunes of party leaders. "Badenoch has positive net approval for the first time on +3, the first party leader to do so since summer 2024 & tying with Burnham. But Farage drops to his lowest approval since the election -24," he stated.
Commentators suggest that Badenoch's strong performances in Prime Minister's Questions, along with assertive interviews and social media content, have contributed to her rising personal popularity. During Sir Keir Starmer's final appearance as Prime Minister, Badenoch remarked on their changing political trajectories, highlighting the unpredictable nature of political fortunes.
Despite Badenoch's personal approval, the Conservative party continues to trail in overall polls. More in Common places the Conservative party at 22 percent, level with Labour and behind Reform, which is polling at 26 percent.