Penny Mordaunt Tops Public Poll as Next Tory Leader
Penny Mordaunt has emerged as the frontrunner in a major public poll on who will make the best next Tory leader. The survey, conducted by the More In Common think tank, found that Mordaunt is the only Conservative politician that the general public actually likes. With a net favorability rate of two, Mordaunt outshines every other potential candidate, who all received negative ratings. Among 2019 Tory voters, Mordaunt also comes out on top with a net favorability rating of plus 22. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch was the runner-up among Tory voters, but significantly behind with a rating of minus four.
Mordaunt's Strength and Broad Appeal
Mordaunt, known for her role in the Coronation, has garnered praise for her strength, including from political opponents. Holding a ceremonial sword for over an hour, Mordaunt showcased her resilience and determination. Her strong showing in the public poll highlights her broad appeal and potential as a Tory leader.
Cooling Support for Ousting Rishi Sunak
The release of this new public poll coincides with a decline in support among Tory MPs for the plot to remove Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister before an election. One right-wing MP expressed frustration with the plotters, stating that many MPs no longer want to get rid of the current PM. The sentiment among MPs is that it is too late for a change, even among those who have reservations about Sunak's leadership.
Popular Conservative Movement Launch
On Tuesday, prominent figures on the Tory right, such as Liz Truss and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, will participate in the launch of the Popular Conservative movement. The initiative aims to promote free market policies but has faced accusations of being a platform to challenge Rishi Sunak for the top job. Sir Jacob is expected to emphasize the need for the Tories to trust the people and reduce the influence of officialdom in the UK.
Building Broad Public Support
According to Luke Tryl, UK director of More In Common, the poll results highlight the importance for Tory leadership candidates to focus on building broad public support rather than campaigning from the extremes. This suggests that candidates should prioritize appealing to a wider range of voters in order to secure a successful leadership bid.
