…with ex-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson primed to succeed her
•According to a report by The Sun on Sunday, a group of former Conservative MPs is in active discussions to persuade Johnson to make a dramatic return to frontline politics.
A covert campaign to reinstall former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader is reportedly underway, as senior party insiders move to replace current leader Kemi Badenoch.
According to The Sun on Sunday, a group of former Conservative MPs is in active discussions to persuade Johnson to make a dramatic return to frontline politics.
The revelation comes just days after a YouGov poll placed the Tories in a dismal fourth position—behind the Liberal Democrats—intensifying panic within the party.
Disheartened Conservative MPs have described the poll as a turning point, warning that the party cannot afford to continue under Badenoch’s leadership if it hopes to avoid electoral collapse.
“Some of the old gang around Boris Johnson are back texting and in talks to get him to return,” The Sun quoted a senior Tory as saying.
“The feeling is he is the only man who can take on Nigel Farage and win. They want to bring back Boris.”
“Team Boris are talking again. There are even some people in Tory HQ who are moonlighting on Project Boris,” said another prominent Conservative member.
When asked about Kemi Badenoch’s leadership, one despondent Conservative MP described the situation as “pretty grim,” while another described Boris Johnson as the only figure Reform UK would fear.
Amid plunging poll numbers, jittery Tory MPs are increasingly anxious that the party is heading for political extinction — potentially supplanted by Reform UK as the dominant voice on the right.
A recent More in Common poll offered a glimmer of hope for Boris loyalists, showing that Johnson remains the Conservatives’ best shot at challenging Nigel Farage in a bid for No. 10. Under his leadership, the survey found, the Tories would lead with 26 percent, ahead of Reform’s 23 percent and Labour’s 22 percent.
As speculation intensifies over the possibility of her ouster just six months into the role, her ally and former Cabinet minister Michael Gove publicly backed her, praising her political instincts and courage during a Times Radio interview.
According to Gove, Kemi Badenoch has “shown a courage that very few other people in British politics have”.
However, Guto Harri, a former communications chief for Boris Johnson, suggested that another leadership challenge is all but inevitable.
Despite the mounting speculation, a Conservative Party source dismissed the rumours of a looming leadership change.
“Anyone who thinks that changing leader after 6 months will help needs to get real,” the party source said.
“The Conservative Party suffered its worst ever defeat last year and renewing the party from the ground up is going to take time.”
The source said Kemi is actively engaged in the crucial task of developing comprehensive policy plans, revitalising Tory HQ, and ensuring that the Labour government is held accountable for its shortcomings.
According to the source, Kemi remains committed to travelling across the country, connecting with people, and dedicating herself daily to regaining public trust.
Boris Johnson resigned as UK Prime Minister in September 2022 following a series of scandals and political crises that eroded support within his own party.
One, Johnson faced intense criticism after revelations that government officials, including himself, attended gatherings in Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns, violating restrictions. He was fined for breaking lockdown rules, and a report by senior civil servant Sue Gray highlighted a culture of rule-breaking within his administration.
Two, Johnson appointed Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip despite allegations of misconduct. When further accusations surfaced, Downing Street initially denied that Johnson was aware of past complaints.
However, it was later revealed that he had been informed, leading to accusations of dishonesty and triggering a wave of ministerial resignations.
The Pincher scandal led to an unprecedented number of resignations from government ministers and officials, including key figures such as Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid. This mass exodus made it clear that Johnson had lost the confidence of his party.
Meanwhile, Johnson had already faced criticism over his handling of the cost-of-living crisis and tax increases. His leadership style and decision-making had alienated many Conservative MPs, and by July 2022, he could no longer command a majority within his own party.
Ultimately, Johnson announced his resignation, stating that it was clear his party wanted a new leader.