Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Book Details Badenoch’s Alleged Push to Replace Sunak
A new book says Kemi Badenoch thought about trying to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader.
The book says she did not make a formal challenge.
One reason was that an election defeat was expected soon.
Badenoch may have worried that people would blame her if she became leader before that defeat.
She also thought about the possibility of losing a leadership contest.
Penny Mordaunt was another possible contender.
At the time, Mordaunt was Leader of the House of Commons.
She was still popular with some members of the Conservative Party.
A new book alleges that Kemi Badenoch considered replacing Rishi Sunak.
Badenoch ultimately decided not to launch a formal Conservative leadership challenge.
She reportedly feared taking over before an expected electoral defeat.
The timing could have left Badenoch personally blamed for the result.
She also worried she might lose to Penny Mordaunt, who remained popular among some Conservatives.
- Who
- Kemi Badenoch, Rishi Sunak, and Penny Mordaunt are central figures.
- What
- A book alleges that Badenoch considered challenging Sunak for the Conservative leadership but decided against a formal challenge.
- When
- The article does not give a specific date; it refers to a period before an expected electoral defeat.
- Where
- The article does not specify a location.
- Why
- Badenoch reportedly feared being blamed for an expected defeat and worried she could lose the leadership contest to Mordaunt.
Badenoch’s Reported Position
Leadership Contest Risks
Whether to challenge Sunak
Badenoch’s Reported Position
Badenoch reportedly considered replacing Sunak but ultimately chose not to launch a formal challenge.
Leadership Contest Risks
The reported risks included an expected electoral defeat and the possibility of losing to Mordaunt.
Responsibility for an expected defeat
Badenoch’s Reported Position
Badenoch was concerned that becoming leader shortly before the defeat could make her personally blamed for it.
Leadership Contest Risks
The account suggests that avoiding the leadership immediately could protect her from direct responsibility for the result.
- Source
- A new book
- Allegation
- Kemi Badenoch considered replacing Rishi Sunak.
- Outcome
- Badenoch decided against launching a formal challenge.
- Reported concern
- Taking over before an expected electoral defeat could have led to personal blame.
- Potential rival
- Penny Mordaunt was considered a possible leadership-contest winner.
- Mordaunt's role
- She was Leader of the House of Commons at the time.
- Party support
- Mordaunt remained popular among sections of the Conservative Party.