Emma Levin, associate director at polling firm Savanta, said: “Voting is down nine points and 14 points in the 2022 and 2019 contests, respectively, which is a result they’ve been pointing towards Conservative councilors’ research from the summer.

“One councilor in seven said they would not vote in the last two contests and it appears many members were also unhappy with their choice. If Badenoch does not succeed as leader, there is likely to be a renewed debate about the party’s selection process.”

Ms Badenoch is the winner with the third lowest level of support from fellow Tory MPs in the final vote – her share of 34.7% higher than Ms Truss’s 31.6% in 2022. Iain Duncan Smith received support from 32.5% in 2001. Two years later he was ousted by MPs and replaced by Michael Howard.

However, Mrs. Badenoch attracted more parliamentary approvals as the race progressed. The day before the result was announced, UK bookmakers gave him an average 83% chance of winning.

She was the bookies’ favorite for most of the race but, before the Conservative Party conference, Mr Jenrick had enjoyed a boost. Ms Badenoch has had better odds than her rival on 62% of the days since Mr. Sunak resigned as leader.