Conservatives Head Into Conference More United, But Polling Still Poor, Says MP

The Conservative Party is heading into its annual conference with a notably more upbeat and unified atmosphere than a year ago, according to figures within the party, even as its standing in the polls remains weak.

Kemi Badenoch, who has led the party since taking over as leader, is widely seen within Conservative ranks as performing well in the role. However, some party figures caution that improved morale has not yet translated into a meaningful recovery in public support.

Polling concerns persist

One Conservative MP described the situation bluntly, saying the party's mood had improved but the underlying facts remained poor, noting that the Conservatives continue to run a distant third in opinion polls. The MP suggested that if an election were held immediately, the party would lose badly, warning against reading too much into the improved atmosphere at the conference.

Part of the discussion around the party's position has focused on its relationship with Reform UK, a rival party that has drawn support from voters who might otherwise back the Conservatives. A shadow minister reportedly characterised the dynamic as the Conservatives having outsourced some of their harder-edged political positioning to Reform, pointing to internal debate over how the party should position itself on contentious policy issues.

The description of some Badenoch-aligned policies as tough-edged measures reflects wider commentary about the tone the party has adopted on certain issues, with critics questioning whether the approach risks alienating moderate voters even as it may appeal to a more traditional Conservative base.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for Badenoch to set out her vision for the party's direction, with both supporters and sceptics within Conservative ranks watching closely for signs of whether the improved mood can be converted into a genuine electoral recovery.