Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has surged ahead of other possible Tory leaders when it comes to the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
Badenoch, 43, received 38% of the vote, topping a survey of grassroots Conservatives.
With 23% of the vote, Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt came in second in the ConservativeHome survey.
Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, trailed far behind in third place with 14%.
After calling off a “Brexit bonfire” of EU red tape in May, Badenoch’s popularity seems to have recovered.
Her more assertive position against transgenderism seems to be aimed at courting Conservative members.
Still, it doesn’t seem like every Tory official wants Badenoch to be the party leader.
“Kemi now being pushed for No 10 to replace Sunak soon,” stated former MEP David Campbell-Bannerman.
“Close to Gove, she backed his campaign in 2019 and he backed her campaign launch.
“Done well on trade deals, gutsy, but was criticised for not removing many EU regulations (REUL) and pro deposing Boris.”
Others have speculated that Badenoch’s possible win would be an indication of the alleged “plot” advanced by former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.