Patrick English: Badenoch’s positioning on Net Zero is brave – because the numbers are not really in her favour
Dr Patrick English, Director of Political Analytics at YouGov, analyzes Kemi Badenoch's recent move to purge Conservative MPs and candidates who support Net Zero commitments or the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). While the move projects strength and has boosted Tory polling from mid-teens to near their 2024 election level, English argues it is risky. YouGov polling shows 63% of the public support maintaining Net Zero commitments, and 48% of 2024 Conservative voters back them. Similarly, 46% of the public support remaining in the ECHR, including 27% of Tory voters. English warns that this strategy divides the party's own base, narrows its electoral appeal, and risks alienating potential coalition partners. He draws a cautionary parallel to Labour's 2023-2026 purge of its left flank, which cost Keir Starmer his premiership. The analysis concludes that while the move projects confidence, it carries significant public opinion risks.
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