Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader since November 2024, has seen her personal popularity rise, achieving a net approval rating of minus 6—the highest among UK politicians, ahead of Ed Davey, Nigel Farage, Zack Polanski, and Keir Starmer. Her improved parliamentary and media performances, including decisive leadership during the Golders Green terror attack, have enhanced her image. Despite this, the Conservative Party lags in polls at approximately 18%, significantly below its 23.7% result in the July 2024 general election and 30% in the 2022 local elections. This struggle stems from the party's tarnished legacy of 14 years in power, encompassing austerity, Brexit, and Partygate, alongside pressure from the right-wing Reform UK, which forces the Tories into extreme positions on immigration and welfare, alienating centre-ground voters. Badenoch recognizes that rebuilding the party's reputation is a formidable challenge beyond her personal appeal.