Kemi Badenoch SURGES as Starmer and Reeves Plunge in New Poll – Local Elections Set to Be Bloodbath
Kemi Badenoch is rapidly becoming the standout performer in British politics as public frustration with Keir Starmer’s Labour government reaches new heights.
The Conservative leader has seen her personal ratings climb significantly in the latest More in Common survey, while Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves continue to sink deeper into negative territory.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey sits on a dismal minus 11, but it is Labour’s top figures who are taking the heaviest hits. Rachel Reeves matches Starmer’s poor performance with a staggering net rating of minus 41.
Badenoch’s rise comes after a series of strong performances at Prime Minister’s Questions, where she has relentlessly challenged the Government on the economy and the growing scandal surrounding Lord Mandelson. Her use of the humble address procedure forced the release of damaging documents, emails and phone records that have caused serious embarrassment for Labour.
Further revelations are expected in the coming weeks, potentially inflicting even more damage on Starmer’s already struggling leadership.
The Tory leader also strengthened her position at the party’s autumn conference by announcing bold plans to scrap stamp duty for people buying their first home — a popular policy that has helped cement her authority within the Conservative Party.
Her standing among Conservative members remains exceptionally strong. A separate ConservativeHome poll placed her at the top of the shadow cabinet league table for the third consecutive time, with a net satisfaction rating of +82.1.
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy follows in second place with +67.6, while Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride sits on +60.7. Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp complete the top five.
Despite Badenoch’s personal gains, both major parties are bracing for heavy losses in the upcoming May local elections.
YouGov’s latest figures show Reform UK leading the pack on 23%, with the Conservatives and Greens tied on 19%. Labour trails miserably on just 18%, with the Liberal Democrats on 12%.
Labour is projected to lose around 2,000 council seats — a result that would trigger a fresh crisis for Keir Starmer’s leadership.
The Conservatives are also expected to suffer significant losses as voters continue to desert the traditional parties for Reform UK and the Greens.
The message from the British public is becoming louder and clearer: disillusionment with the establishment is at breaking point.
With just weeks until the local elections, the political landscape is shifting fast. Patriotic and anti-establishment voices are gaining ground while the two main parties struggle to reconnect with ordinary voters.
Kemi Badenoch’s rising popularity shows that strong leadership and clear messaging can still cut through — but time is running out for the old political order.
