Kemi Badenoch's Tories close to within two points of Labour in their best poll since the general election

Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives are now drawing 17 per cent of 18-to-24-year-olds — more than the Lib Dems and Reform combined, according to the first YouGov poll since last week's Budget.

Some 67 per cent of 2024 Tory voters said they would back Kemi Badenoch's party again, according to the first YouGov poll since last week's Budget.

A YouGov poll puts the Conservatives on 24 per cent — a two-point rise over the past week — with Labour just two points ahead on 26 per cent, the narrowest margin since the 2024 election. Badenoch's conference performance and ambitious pledges on tax and welfare cuts are seen as the driving force behind the recovery, with 67 per cent of 2024 Tory voters saying they intend to back the party at the next election.

Reform sits third on 21 per cent — its lowest YouGov rating since the election and the third successive week in which it has trailed the Tories.

The Conservatives now have the support of 17 per cent of voters aged 18 to 24, outstripping the Lib Dems and Reform put together, a sign that Badenoch is making inroads with younger voters.

The Budget failed to generate any poll bounce, with voters dismissing it as 'tinkering' that will neither bring down energy bills nor provide adequate defence funding.

The SunKemi Badenoch gives Conservatives biggest polling boost since election as party moves within touching distance of Labour The IndependentTories dramatically close gap on Labour in best polling since general election The IndependentUK poll tracker: Tory support hits new high after Labour Budget StringrDisaster for Andy Burnham as Tories close gap with Labour in bombshell poll AOL.comKemi Badenoch snapping at Andy Burnham's heels as Tories close gap in bombshell poll - AOL.com Daily MailTory revival gathers pace as poll shows Kemi Badenoch's party closing in on Labour

Read today's full feed at The Newshound →