A covert plot to reinstall former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader is reportedly gaining momentum, as senior party insiders push to oust current leader Kemi Badenoch.
According to The Sun on Sunday, a group of former Conservative MPs is actively engaging in discussions aimed at persuading Boris Johnson to make a dramatic return to frontline politics. This revelation comes just days after a YouGov poll placed the Conservative Party in a dismal fourth place, trailing behind the Liberal Democrats—a development that has intensified panic within the party ranks.
Disheartened Tory MPs have described the poll as a wake-up call, warning that the party risks political extinction if it continues under Badenoch’s leadership.
“Some of the old gang around Boris Johnson are back texting and in talks to get him to return,” The Sun quoted a senior Tory figure. “The feeling is he is the only man who can take on Nigel Farage and win. They want to bring back Boris.”
Another source within the Conservative Party added, “Team Boris are talking again. There are even some people in Tory HQ who are moonlighting on Project Boris.”
While Kemi Badenoch has only been in the role for six months, her leadership has come under intense scrutiny. One despondent MP described the situation as “pretty grim,” while another claimed Boris Johnson remains the only figure Reform UK would fear.
As concerns grow over the party’s future, a More in Common poll has offered some hope for Boris loyalists, showing that under Johnson’s leadership, the Conservatives could lead with 26%, ahead of Reform UK at 23% and Labour at 22%.
Amid the swirling speculation, Badenoch has received public backing from her ally and former Cabinet minister, Michael Gove, who praised her “political instincts and courage” during an interview with Times Radio.
“Kemi has shown a courage that very few other people in British politics have,” Gove said.
However, Guto Harri, a former communications chief for Boris Johnson, suggested that another leadership challenge is inevitable.
Despite mounting speculation, a Conservative Party source dismissed the rumors of an imminent leadership change.
“Anyone who thinks that changing leader after six months will help needs to get real,” the source said. “The Conservative Party suffered its worst-ever defeat last year, and renewing the party from the ground up is going to take time.”
The source added that Kemi is focused on building strong policy frameworks, revitalising Tory HQ, and holding the Labour government accountable.
“Kemi remains committed to travelling across the country, engaging with citizens, and working tirelessly to rebuild public trust,” the source said.
Boris Johnson resigned as UK Prime Minister in September 2022 after a series of scandals and political crises eroded his support within the party.
Johnson faced widespread criticism for multiple issues:
1️⃣ The “Partygate” scandal, where government officials, including Johnson, were found to have attended gatherings at Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns—leading to fines and a damning report by Sue Gray.
2️⃣ The controversial appointment of Chris Pincher as deputy chief whip despite allegations of misconduct, with Johnson’s office initially denying knowledge of previous complaints. It was later revealed he had been informed, sparking a wave of resignations from ministers, including then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
These crises culminated in Johnson’s resignation, as he admitted the Conservative Party had lost confidence in his leadership.