A recent Ipsos poll has indicated a significant increase in unfavourability towards the UK Conservative Party and its leading figures, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. As the country approaches a general election, 58% of respondents now view the Tories unfavorably, a slight increase from the previous high of 56% in October. Boris Johnson’s unfavorability rating has climbed to 57%, the highest recorded during this parliament. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s approval has plummeted to a net score of minus 38, marking him the lowest-rated politician in the survey. Compared to the Conservatives, the Labour Party maintains a marginally better favorability score at minus seven.

More than three-quarters of the polled electorate believe a change in government leadership is necessary, despite only 41% expressing confidence in the Labour Party’s capacity to lead effectively. These statistics reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the Conservative leadership, potentially reshaping the UK’s political landscape as the election year unfolds.

In related developments, Dan Barker, the Conservative candidate for the Manchester mayoral election, has defected to Reform UK, attributing his departure to the Conservative Party’s neglect of Northern England, particularly Greater Manchester. He criticized the party’s focus on Southern seats and expressed disappointment with a lack of support from the national Conservative leadership. His defection follows that of Lee Anderson, a former Conservative party deputy chair, earlier in March.

Reform UK leader Richard Tice welcomed Barker’s move, which draws attention to the party’s increasing appeal, now polling above 10% in national voting intentions. The Conservative Party, acknowledging the challenge, has 15 days to nominate a new candidate for the Manchester mayoral race in the face of growing discontent and shifting allegiances within its ranks.