Despite a rare show of unity with Conservatives united on Brexit, the Conservative Party is polling at its lowest level ever recorded.
As top Tory figures denounce a new EU deal as a “great Brexit betrayal,” voter interest in Brexit appears to be fading. YouGov now places the party in fourth place, behind Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK. Support has dropped to just 16% as Conservatives united on Brexit struggle to maintain voter enthusiasm.
Kemi Badenoch, Priti Patel, and Victoria Atkins fiercely criticised the government’s updated arrangements with Brussels this week. However, public opinion seems to be moving in the opposite direction. Two-thirds of voters now support closer ties with the EU, despite Conservatives united on Brexit.
The paradox is striking. A party once torn apart by internal Brexit feuds now speaks in one voice. Yet it finds itself increasingly out of step with the electorate, illustrating how even when Conservatives united on Brexit, they face challenges.
Tim Bale, a political historian at Queen Mary University, said the party has chased Nigel Farage’s populist path for too long. He argued the Conservatives must return to traditional priorities like economic stability, low taxation, and support for business.
“There’s room for scepticism about Europe,” he said, “but not the outright hostility seen recently.”
Even so, there is little appetite within the party to replace Badenoch as leader. The memory of recent leadership chaos still looms. Conservatives fear another leadership change could trigger backlash from voters.
There is also concern over Robert Jenrick, viewed as even more aligned with Reform UK’s populist rhetoric. His rise would likely signal a further rightward shift.
One centrist Tory MP acknowledged the poor poll result but urged caution. “This highlights our challenge,” they said. “We must return to our core values and sound like grownups again.”
Another former minister insisted there’s no appetite for another leadership crisis. “There are no easy solutions,” they said. “We just have to show we’re focused on what matters.”
The polling plunge highlights a growing gap between party priorities and public sentiment. As the Conservatives double down on Brexit rhetoric, voters appear to have moved on.
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