No leadership pressure on Badenoch despite Tory losses

The Conservatives have suffered heavy losses in elections across the UK, with both Reform and the Liberal Democrats taking votes off Kemi Badenoch's party.

In England, the Tories lost more than 500 seats and lost control six councils, while in Wales they lost 22 Senedd seats to finish in fifth place.

With counting in Scotland still ongoing, the BBC is projecting that the Conservatives could finish fifth with 13 or 14 seats.

Kemi Badneoich has insisted there are ground for optimism and said that "good strategy takes time".

The Conservatives' projected national share of the vote has increased slightly since this time last year, from 15% to 17% and the party managed to take Westminster council from Labour.

But despite heavy Conservative losses in England, Scotland and Wales, there is no hint of leadership speculation surrounding Badenoch.

That might seem strange for a party that has had such a bad night at the polls.

But it will not surprise anyone who has been watching the Tories closely in recent weeks, when it's become clear that regardless of the level of Conservative losses, Badenoch's future would not be in doubt.

The party is pointing to some glimmers of hope among these election results, including Westminster and holding on to other councils such as Harlow, Broxbourne, Bexley and Fareham.

But there are two much more important factors which have prevented any sense of jeopardy from forming around the Conservative leader.

The first is her performances in Parliament.

Many MPs believe that Badenoch has for some months now been an impressive combatant at Prime Minister's Questions, her weekly joust with the prime minister.

They also believe the party leadership has effectively used Parliamentary procedure, such as forcing the government to publish documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US.

The second is a stark lack of alternatives.

During the early part of Badenoch's tenure as leader, there was much chatter that Robert Jenrick wanted the job for himself. But he has now defected to Reform UK.

There had been some talk that Sir James Cleverly could take up the mantle of a critic within the ranks, but he's kept a low and loyal profile since returning to the shadow cabinet.

It will be difficult in the coming days for the Conservatives to spin these results as anything other than a massive disappointment.

But when it comes to job security Kemi Badenoch appears much safer in her role than Sir Keir Starmer.

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