Tory rebels within the party are hoping to crown Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch as the new leader, with hopes that she could be the next Margaret Thatcher. Insiders suggest that Badenoch is in a strong position to replace Rishi Sunak if he is removed before a General Election.
Challenging Starmer and facing questions over leadership
The Prime Minister is facing increasing scrutiny over his leadership as the Conservative Party lags behind Labour in the polls. While some party members, like former deputy chairman Lee Anderson, are urging Tories to unite behind Sunak, others believe that Badenoch can bring a fresh perspective and defeat Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
A battle of the women
Sources close to the rebel camp describe Badenoch as being in "pole position" with the rebels. They believe that she has the ability to shake things up and potentially become the next Thatcher. However, Penny Mordaunt is also seen as a contender. Sunak has until the May local elections to turn things around, otherwise, it may become a battle between the two women for leadership of the Tory party.
Leadership contest on the horizon
Supporters have reportedly urged Badenoch to be prepared for a leadership contest if the tide turns against Sunak. With the Tories currently trailing by around 20 points in the polls, Sunak is facing renewed questions about his leadership. Some senior Tories, like Sir Simon Clarke, have publicly called for him to step down to prevent further electoral losses.
Triggering a leadership vote
If the Tories perform poorly in the May elections, plotters within the party may strike. Currently, 15% of Tory MPs, or 53 MPs, need to submit letters of no confidence to trigger a leadership vote. However, there are calls from loyal Tories to change the rules to require 50% support.
A source close to Badenoch dismisses those pitching her as leader, claiming that they do not have her best interests at heart and are trying to destabilize her. Meanwhile, an ally of the Prime Minister refers to the rebels as a "rabble" and "rats in a sack."
