By Our Correspondent
National News – Kemi Badenoch, the British politician of Nigerian descent and leader of the Conservative Party (UK), has been ranked the most popular political party leader in the United Kingdom, according to a new opinion poll published on Sunday.
The survey, conducted by research group More in Common and reported by the Daily Mail, assessed public approval ratings of major party leaders across the country.
The poll found that Badenoch recorded a net approval rating of minus nine, placing her ahead of other prominent political leaders.
The result marks a significant improvement from her earlier rating of minus 32 recorded before the Conservative Party conference held in October 2025.
Analysts say the rise reflects increasing public awareness and recognition of her political stance.
According to the survey, Nigel Farage came second with a net approval rating of minus 16, while Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, followed closely with a rating of minus 11.
Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party (UK), ranked last among the leaders assessed in the poll, scoring minus 42.
The research also placed Zack Polanski of the Green Party of England and Wales among the party leaders with a minus 16 rating, highlighting the generally low approval levels across several UK political figures.
Explaining the shift in public perception, the UK Director of More in Common, Luke Tryl, said Badenoch’s increased visibility in recent months has played a major role in boosting her popularity.
He noted that during earlier focus group sessions, many participants were unfamiliar with Badenoch, but her name is now frequently mentioned in political discussions.
“Whereas last summer we would run entire focus groups where no one knew who Kemi was, she is now often brought up spontaneously,” Tryl said.
He added that even some voters who do not support the Conservative Party acknowledge her conviction and direct communication style.
However, despite Badenoch’s improved personal approval rating, the poll indicated that the Conservative Party itself has not yet experienced a similar rise in overall public support.
Political analysts suggest that while Badenoch’s profile is growing, broader voter sentiment toward the party remains cautious.
The findings highlight shifting perceptions of political leadership in the United Kingdom as public opinion continues to evolve ahead of future elections.
