Boris Johnson appears unable to win back traditional Conservative supporters who have defected to Reform UK, according to a new YouGov poll. Only 15 per cent of current Reform voters believe the former Prime Minister would be a better choice for Downing Street than Nigel Farage. While Mr Johnson remains the most favoured hypothetical Tory leader among current and former Conservatives, the poll suggests his appeal does not extend to those now backing Reform.
++ Milky Way-Andromeda smash-up could spell Earth’s end
The findings come amid ongoing speculation within the Conservative Party about a possible return for Mr Johnson, seen by some allies as the only figure capable of countering the Reform UK threat. Despite his previous popularity, including 57 per cent of Reform voters saying he did a good job during his premiership, this has not translated into support for his potential comeback. Just under half of respondents said he would make a good Conservative leader, but enthusiasm among current Tory MPs remains low.
Current Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch briefly boosted the party’s standing after taking over from Rishi Sunak last November, but that support has since diminished. The Tories recently lost 674 council seats, many to Reform UK, during last month’s local elections. Some senior MPs have publicly dismissed the idea of reinstating Mr Johnson, with reports that several would consider resigning from the party if such a move were pursued.
++ Dutch coalition in crisis as far-right PVV withdraws
Looking ahead, uncertainty remains over Ms Badenoch’s future, with less than half of Conservative voters confident she will lead the party into the next general election. While James Cleverly emerged as the most popular potential leadership contender among all voters, it is Robert Jenrick who leads in favourability among Reform supporters, with 35 per cent believing he would perform well as Tory leader. The polling highlights the complex dynamics within right-wing politics as both parties grapple with internal pressures and shifting public support.
