Kemi Badenoch's personal approval ratings have hit a new low despite a torrid few weeks for the Government, according to a poll by Ipsos. The company has recorded a dramatic drop in her popularity rating, down 3.5 points since April, the biggest change of any politician polled.

Ms Badenoch now languishes on a net approval rating of -32, even less popular than the Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Just 17% say they have a favourable opinion of the Conservative Party leader, with 49% saying they have an unfavourable opinion. By contrast Sir Keir Starmer has a net approval rating of -31, with 23% favourable versus 54% unfavourable.

However the poll provides yet another boost for Nigel Farage, with the Reform UK leader polling as the country's most popular leader.

31% say they have a favourable opinion, versus 50% responding unfavourably, down 0.5 points since April.

Amid rumours Boris Johnson could return to lead the Tories out of their polling quagmire, Mr Farage also outpolls the former Prime Minister.

Years on from his ousting from No. 10, Mr Johnson records a 26% approval rating, with a 52% unfavourable score.

Sir Ed Davey ranks as the country's most inoffensive party leader, with a net score of -7, though this is largely down to a much greater number of 'don't knows'.

Robert Jenrick equally has a very low name recognition, with 16% saying they view the shadow Justice Secretary favourably, to 38% unfavourable. 46% say they have no view.

Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos said: "Our favourability ratings this month show a mixed bag for the UK's leading politicians."

"While Labour has seen a slight bump in favourability, most people still think the country is heading in the wrong direction and are critical of the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

"In contrast, Nigel Farage and his party continue to be buoyed by very high approval ratings among their own base, even though they are more divisive among Labour, LibDem and Green supporters.

"The Conservatives, though, face perhaps the toughest picture, with Kemi Badenoch's rating dipping to its lowest level as Conservative leader and the party's overall favourability continuing to be the lowest of any party polled.

"The Conservatives are finding it particularly difficult to rebuild after their losses in the 2024 election, but both the main two parties are struggling with public disillusionment with the established political order, and a potential appetite for alternative voices in British politics from both sides of the spectrum."

UK bookmakers are currently pessimistic about Ms Badenoch's hopes, and have recently flipped to imply most believe Robert Jenrick has the best chance of being Tory leader at the next general election.