Top Candidates Emerge for Prime Minister in January 2026

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding the potential candidates for Prime Minister in January 2026. Kemi Badenoch and Keir Starmer are now tied at 28% each as the preferred choice for Prime Minister, marking a noteworthy rise for Badenoch.

Current Polling Insights

Polling results show that Kemi Badenoch has made substantial gains against her rivals:

• 28% of voters believe Badenoch would make a better Prime Minister, equal to Starmer’s support.
• Badenoch’s approval has surged by 8-10 points since August.
• Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has overtaken Starmer in popularity, now favored by 23% to Starmer’s 19%.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Across ten direct comparisons between party leaders:

• Ed Davey leads in three matchups.
• Kemi Badenoch has two wins.
• Keir Starmer only leads in one, while the other four are within the margin of error.

In particular, Badenoch’s support against Nigel Farage has also increased, with 31% favoring her compared to 21% for Farage, a notable change from six months ago when the figures were closer.

Public Perception and Sector Dynamics

The rise in Badenoch’s popularity can be attributed to various factors:

• Voter enthusiasm among Conservative supporters has strengthened, with 68% of them now supporting Badenoch against Starmer.
• Support among 2024 Reform UK voters for Badenoch has risen significantly.

Comparative Performance with Other Leaders

Analysis shows how Badenoch stacks up against other party leaders:

• 28% of voters prefer Badenoch over Zack Polanski, the newly elected Green leader, who garners 22%.
• Badenoch leads 31% to 21% against Farage.
• Ed Davey is also preferred over Farage, leading 33% to 27%.

These dynamics suggest a changing political landscape as we approach the next election cycle.

Conclusion

As of now, the race for the Prime Ministerial candidacy remains competitive. Kemi Badenoch’s improvement reflects a growing confidence among Conservative supporters, while Ed Davey’s rise poses a new challenge for Starmer. With the next general election in January 2026 on the horizon, these shifts in voter sentiment will be crucial in shaping the future of British politics.