Plotters turn to Jenrick after Tory local elections disaster

Senior Tories are already plotting ways to oust Kemi Badenoch after the party’s disastrous local election results.

- DAVID MADDOX POLITICAL EDITOR

The prospect of the Tories having their fourth leader in less than four years appears to be on the cards, with the party losing hundreds of council seats across England and being almost wiped out in traditionally strong areas for them.

The Independent has learnt that discussions were already underway before Thursday’s local elections to find a way to remove her. Now senior Tories have told The Independent that they plan to press Robert Jenrick, who came second to Ms Badenoch, to challenge her.

Among the complaints against Ms Badenoch is a lack of vision and policies, a failure to score hits in Prime Minister’s Questions and a failure to properly confront the rising Reform.

Speculation about Mr Jenrick making a leadership push had been rife before the local elections after a recording of him emerging pronouncing on a plan to do a deal with Reform – a move opposed by Ms Badenoch. Following that, a letter he sent to all candidates without her name on it also emerged.

One senior Tory told