Badenoch's Plot to Oust Sunak: Inside the Tory Turmoil 2026

Kemi Badenoch plotted with fellow Conservative cabinet ministers to remove Rishi Sunak as prime minister months before the general election, according to a new book by political biographer Anthony Seldon. The allegations, serialised in the Independent, claim that Badenoch, then business secretary, phoned several cabinet colleagues to ask “if anyone was interested in changing the captain.”

The book, titled Sunak at 10: The Last Conservative PM?, paints a picture of a fractured party struggling with internal dissent. An ally of Badenoch, who is now the Conservative leader, dismissed the claims as “total bollocks,” but the revelations have reignited debates about party unity and the challenges facing the Tories.

The Alleged Plot: A Timeline of Turmoil

According to Seldon, Badenoch’s dissatisfaction with Sunak dated back to 2023, when the PM faced considerable pressure over migration policy. The book cites sources claiming Badenoch did not respect Sunak, believing he had been rude to her. This personal animosity, combined with policy disagreements, allegedly drove her to explore a leadership challenge.

Key Events Leading to the Alleged Plot

• December 2023: Robert Jenrick resigns as immigration minister over the Rwanda deportation plan, increasing internal pressure on Sunak.
• Early 2024: Badenoch allegedly discusses “constructing imaginary cabinets and offering jobs” with unnamed insiders.
• Months before the election: Badenoch phones cabinet ministers to gauge interest in replacing Sunak.

The book quotes a Conservative MP, now a member of Badenoch’s frontbench, calling her “a menace who orchestrated trouble in the cabinet.” Another insider claimed she was “actively looking at bringing Sunak down.”

Comparing Leadership Challenges: Sunak vs. Badenoch

Leadership challenges are not new in British politics, but the timing and nature of this alleged plot raise questions. Below is a comparison of the two leaders’ challenges:

This table illustrates the differing dynamics that have shaped the Conservative Party’s internal battles. While Sunak’s premiership was marked by attempts to stabilise the economy, Badenoch’s rise has been characterised by a more combative approach.

Implications for the Conservative Party

The allegations, if true, highlight deep divisions within the Conservative Party. They also underscore the challenges Badenoch faces as leader, having to unify a party that remains fractured after years of infighting. The book’s claims could further strain relations between Badenoch and Sunak’s loyalists.

Political analysts suggest that such revelations may not have a lasting impact on public opinion, but they could influence internal party dynamics and future leadership contests. The Conservative Party’s ability to present a united front will be crucial as it seeks to rebuild after its electoral defeat.

Key Takeaways

• Badenoch allegedly plotted to replace Sunak as PM, according to a new book.
• The claims are denied by Badenoch’s allies but have sparked fresh scrutiny.
• The book reveals deep divisions within the Conservative Party.
• Leadership challenges are a recurring theme in UK politics, with significant consequences.

FAQ

As the Conservative Party navigates its post-election future, the revelations in Seldon’s book serve as a reminder of the fragility of political leadership. Whether the allegations are true or not, they underscore the need for cohesive leadership in times of crisis.

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