1 min readBy Rowena Mason Whitehall editor
Badenoch returns to Conservative conference much stronger than a year ago

Approval ratings for Tory leader and her party have crept up as she has asserted her style and authority but big challenges lie ahead
A year ago, Tory MPs were braced for the prospect of yet another leadership battle to topple Kemi Badenoch as the party sunk to historic lows of 14-16% in the polls.
At the time, the word “November” was uttered in hushed tones – this being the decisive month when rebels would be able to mount a challenge, Badenoch having served 12 months in office.
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About this article
- Length
- 90 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 3, 2026
- Byline
- Rowena Mason Whitehall editor
- Source
- The Guardian