Badenoch would defeat all leadership rivals, poll finds

Kemi Badenoch has been handed a boost in the race to take over from Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservatives, after a new poll of party members indicated she would beat all five of the other contenders if she reaches the final two.

- MILLIE COOKE

A YouGov survey published yesterday saw Ms Badenoch beat James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugendhat, Dame Priti Patel and Mel Stride in head-to-head votes.

The poll, which spoke to 903 party members between 6-15 Aug , saw 47 per cent of members say they would back Ms Badenoch in a contest against Mr Cleverly, who was picked by 38 per cent.

The former business secretary beat Mr Jenrick by 48 per cent to 33 per cent, Mr Tugendhat by 49 per cent to 31 per cent, Dame Priti by 55 per cent to 26 per cent and Mr Stride by 61 per cent to 14 per cent.