Over two thirds of Tory voters back Theresa May remaining Prime Minister
2 min read
More than two thirds of those who voted Conservative in last year’s election think Theresa May should stay on as Prime Minister, according to a new poll.
The Westminster Policy Institute (WPI) study shows the 69% who back Mrs May remaining in post contrasts to just 18% who feel she should stand aside.
The poll also finds that replacing the beleaguered PM with either Boris Johnson, David Davis or Amber Rudd could instead harm the Tories’ chances at the next election.
It suggests the Foreign Secretary would be the more divisive figure, with 11% of voters saying they would be more likely to vote Conservative were he in Downing Street, compared with 20% who would be less likely.
The findings mark a much-needed boost for the Prime Minister, who has come under fire from Tory MPs over the past week.
Overall, support for Mrs May staying in the job is broadly unchanged from November, with 41% saying she should remain in No 10 and 34% calling for her to quit.
The survey also revealed that those who voted to leave the European Union in 2016 were more likely to back the Prime Minister (49%), compared to 37% who opted for Remain.
Director of WPI Nick Faith said: “The results of this poll clearly show that, on the whole, the public – and certainly those who voted for the Conservative at the last election – would rather see Theresa May remain as Prime Minister for the moment.”
He added: “However difficult it may be for an incumbent government to offer an agenda of renewal both domestically and on the international stage, that is the challenge facing the Prime Minister and her colleagues.”
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