Coffee House Shots Debate: is 2026 Kemi's year?
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Dec 31, 2025 In a riveting discussion, Paul Goodman, a Conservative peer and former editor of ConservativeHome, joins political commentator William Atkinson and analyst Lara Brown to dissect Kemi Badenoch's rising fortunes. They explore whether her enhanced performance signals a turnaround for the Tories or if Labour leader Keir Starmer's slip has contributed to her gains. The panel debates the party's electoral ceiling, the risks of leadership changes, and how external factors, like Labour's vulnerabilities, could shape Badenoch's future. A thought-provoking dialogue on political survival and strategy!
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Leader's Ratings Improved But Party Stalled
- Kemi Badenoch's position has strengthened after a staff reshuffle and better performances.
- Her personal ratings hit their highest while the party's overall ceiling remains stuck around ~17–20%.
Performance Gains Don’t Erase Past Losses
- Kemi has improved noticeably in PMQs, conference speeches and media handling.
- Despite that, the Conservatives fell from first to third and the recovery stops short of reversing that damage.
Need For A New Leader Has Declined
- The case for changing leader has diminished as Kemi now performs core duties competently.
- Yet the party's electoral ceiling looks far below Reform's potential, leaving long-term doubts.