A covert campaign is reportedly underway among senior Conservative Party insiders to unseat current leader Kemi Badenoch and reinstall former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
According to The Sun on Sunday, a group of former Tory MPs is actively discussing efforts to persuade Johnson to make a dramatic return to frontline politics. This development comes shortly after a YouGov poll placed the Conservatives in a disappointing fourth place—behind the Liberal Democrats—sparking alarm within the party ranks.
Several disheartened Conservative MPs described the poll as a critical turning point, warning that the party risks electoral disaster if Badenoch remains at the helm.
“Some of Boris Johnson’s old allies are back texting and in talks to get him to return,” a senior Tory source told The Sun. “The feeling is he is the only man who can take on Nigel Farage and win. They want to bring back Boris.”
“Team Boris are talking again. There are even some Tory HQ insiders moonlighting on what they call Project Boris,” added another prominent Conservative.
When questioned about Badenoch’s leadership, one MP described the outlook as “pretty grim,” while another claimed Boris Johnson remains the only figure that Reform UK truly fears.
With Conservative poll numbers falling, anxiety is growing among Tory MPs who fear the party may face political extinction—potentially overtaken by Reform UK as the leading right-wing force.
A recent More in Common poll offered hope to Johnson supporters, showing that under his leadership, the Tories would lead with 26%, ahead of Reform UK’s 23% and Labour’s 22%. The survey suggested Johnson is still seen as the best candidate to challenge Nigel Farage for Downing Street.
As speculation over Badenoch’s future mounts just six months into her leadership, her ally and former Cabinet minister Michael Gove publicly defended her, praising her political instincts and courage during a Times Radio interview. Gove stated Badenoch has “shown a courage that very few other people in British politics have.”
However, Guto Harri, Johnson’s former communications chief, predicted another leadership challenge is inevitable.
Despite rumors, a Conservative Party insider dismissed talk of an imminent leadership change. “Anyone who thinks changing leader after six months will help needs to get real,” the source said. “The Conservative Party suffered its worst-ever defeat last year. Renewing the party from the ground up will take time.”
The source added that Badenoch is fully engaged in shaping policy, revitalizing Tory HQ, and holding the Labour government accountable. “She is committed to travelling the country, connecting with people, and working daily to rebuild public trust.”
Background: Boris Johnson’s Resignation
Johnson stepped down as UK Prime Minister in September 2022 amid a series of scandals and political crises that eroded his support within the Conservative Party.
Key issues included:
- The Downing Street parties scandal, where Johnson and government officials attended gatherings during COVID-19 lockdowns, violating restrictions. Johnson was fined, and a report by senior civil servant Sue Gray exposed a culture of rule-breaking.
- The Chris Pincher scandal, involving Johnson’s appointment of Pincher as deputy chief whip despite misconduct allegations. When more accusations surfaced, Downing Street initially denied Johnson’s knowledge but was later proven otherwise, leading to accusations of dishonesty.
This scandal triggered a wave of ministerial resignations, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid, signaling Johnson’s loss of party confidence.
Additionally, Johnson faced criticism over his handling of the cost-of-living crisis and tax increases. His leadership style alienated many Conservative MPs, and by mid-2022, he no longer commanded a majority in his party.
Ultimately, Johnson announced his resignation, acknowledging that his party wanted new leadership.
