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The unpredictable figure of Boris Johnson is once again at the heart of the dramatic British political scene, with fresh polling data indicating a significant appetite among Conservative voters for his return to leadership. This comes as the party, under Kemi Badenoch, struggles with dismal approval ratings and the increasing influence of Nigel Farage's political movement.
A recent survey by Survation for The Telegraph reveals a striking 60% of Conservative backers from last year's general election believe the former Prime Minister would make a better leader than Mrs. Badenoch. Furthermore, almost half (45%) stated they would be more likely to vote for the party at the next election if she were replaced. The sentiment extends beyond traditional Tory voters, with half of Reform UK voters also preferring Johnson over Badenoch.
This groundswell of support for Johnson emerges as the Conservatives languish in the polls, some even slipping to a historic fourth place behind the Liberal Democrats. The meteoric rise of Nigel Farage's party is widely seen as a major factor in the Tories' woes, with even Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer acknowledging Farage as the main opposition.
The Unpredictable Path of Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson's political career has been defined by its dramatic highs and lows, a testament to his often unpredictable nature. He famously led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in the 2019 general election, securing the largest Tory majority since 1987 on a platform of "Get Brexit Done." His tenure as Prime Minister, however, was also marked by a series of controversies and scandals, most notably "Partygate," which ultimately led to his forced resignation from Downing Street in 2022.
In an equally dramatic move, he quit as the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip last year, citing a "witch hunt" investigation into the Partygate row. Yet, ever the showman, Johnson has consistently hinted at a return to the political fray, famously vowing "I'll be back" in a direct message to Daily Express readers. His recent personal news – becoming a father again – adds another layer to the narrative of a public figure who rarely shies away from the spotlight.
Is Boris Coming Back?
The question of Boris Johnson's potential return to the political frontline is once again a dominant topic of conversation in Westminster. While his allies warn that another leadership contest would further damage the party, the polling figures suggest a strong desire among the Tory grassroots for a change at the top. The belief among some is that Johnson, with his charismatic appeal and proven electoral success, might be the "game changer" from behind, a more effective figure to tackle the growing threat posed by Nigel Farage.
A Conservative Party source, however, cautioned against such a move, stating: "Changing leader again would be the worst possible step in trying to convince voters we're a serious party who understand where we went wrong in the past. We all need to be focused on the real goal - kicking out this terrible Labour government that is making everything worse."
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal whether the growing clamour for Boris Johnson's return can translate into a concrete challenge to Kemi Badenoch's leadership, or if the party will heed warnings against further internal upheaval. One thing is certain: in British politics, the unpredictable Mr. Johnson rarely stays out of the headlines for long.
