Badenoch's Influence Wanes as Polls Show Jenrick's Rise
- Recent polling indicates a significant shift in support for Tory leadership candidates, with Kemi Badenoch now only four points ahead of Robert Jenrick.
- Badenoch has faced criticism for her remarks on maternity pay, while Jenrick has focused on anti-migration rhetoric during party events.
- The upcoming vote among party members will determine the final two candidates, highlighting the competitive nature of the leadership race.
In the UK, the race for the Tory leadership is intensifying as Robert Jenrick narrows the gap with Kemi Badenoch, according to a recent YouGov poll. Six weeks prior, Badenoch held a significant 15-point lead over Jenrick, but the latest figures show her only four points ahead, with 52% support compared to Jenrick's 48%. This shift in public opinion comes amid a series of party events where candidates have been actively engaging with members. Badenoch has faced backlash for her comments on maternity pay, which may have impacted her standing. Meanwhile, Jenrick has ramped up his anti-migration stance, advocating for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights to enhance public safety. The poll also indicates that James Cleverly would lose to Jenrick in a head-to-head match-up, while Tom Tugendhat trails behind both frontrunners. The final two candidates will be determined in the upcoming vote among party members next month, making the stakes high for all involved.