Kemi Badenoch has become the first party leader to achieve a positive net approval rating since the 2024 general election, according to a poll by More in Common. The survey found Badenoch's net approval rating at plus three, indicating that more individuals believe she is performing well than poorly.
Overall, 32 percent of the over 2,000 adults surveyed stated she was doing a very good or somewhat good job, compared to 29 percent who held a negative view. The remaining respondents expressed indifference or uncertainty. This marks Badenoch's highest approval rating in the weekly survey since she assumed leadership of the Conservative party, a significant rise from a minus 32 rating in October.
The poll also indicated that the outgoing Prime Minister is the least popular party leader with a rating of minus 42. Andy Burnham, who is set to become Labour leader and Prime Minister, holds a plus three approval rating, which has decreased from plus nine last month. Nigel Farage's popularity has also declined to minus 24, his lowest point since the election.
Luke Tryl, UK director for More in Common, noted the diverging fortunes of party leaders, highlighting Badenoch's positive net approval for the first time and Farage's drop to his lowest approval since the election.
Commentators attribute Badenoch's rising personal popularity to her performances in Prime Minister's Questions, interviews, and social media engagement. She recently remarked on the shifting political landscape during the Prime Minister's final appearance, stating, "Life comes at you fast." Badenoch also noted the Prime Minister's past dismissiveness of her leadership, suggesting he should have focused on his own party's internal dynamics.
Despite Badenoch's personal approval gains, the Conservative party's standing in the polls remains a challenge. More in Common places the Conservative party at 22 percent, level with Labour and behind Reform, which is polling at 26 percent.