Tory leadership candidates struggle to impress in new poll

In a recent poll conducted by More in Common, six candidates vying to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader were assessed by focus groups of former and current Conservative voters. The results revealed that only Priti Patel was recognized by more than half of the participants, with 52% awareness, while James Cleverly followed at 44%. Kemi Badenoch, the bookmakers' favorite, garnered only 37% recognition. Alarmingly, 70% of participants either did not know who would be the best prime minister or believed none of the candidates were suitable for the role. The focus groups included nine areas where the Tories lost seats in the last election, indicating a disconnect between the party and its former supporters. Participants reacted to videos of the candidates, with Mel Stride being described as “dull” and “boring,” leading to speculation about his chances of remaining in the race. While Patel's recognition was notable, it was often accompanied by negative associations, such as bullying allegations. Cleverly was well-liked for his personality, but many participants questioned his leadership potential. Badenoch was seen as a potential draw for voters from other parties, yet her charisma and delivery were criticized. Tom Tugendhat, another candidate, was perceived as “most prime ministerial” but faced criticism for being “too posh.” Overall, the poll results highlight a significant challenge for the Tory leadership candidates in connecting with voters, raising concerns about their ability to inspire confidence and unity within the party as they seek to regain lost support.