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BRITS do not want Tory rebels to topple Rishi Sunak before a general election, a new poll reveals.

A whopping 62 per cent say the Conservatives should not change leader now, while just 38 per cent back the move.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
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Prime Minister Rishi SunakCredit: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street

Tory voters are more opposed to a leadership challenge.

Some 70 per cent say Rishi should lead them into the next election, while 30 per cent say the opposite.

The survey, by the More in Common think-tank, is a rare piece of good news for the PM.

Mr Sunak’s regime has been plagued by talk of plots to oust him and possible leadership challenges.

But, the poll also suggests the Tories would do better with Penny Morduant as leader in a general election.

The survey puts Mr Sunak’s Tories on 23 points and Labour on 44 points - so a gap of 21 points.

Under Penny this gap closes to 15 points. Under Kemi Badenoch the gap would get bigger - to 25 points - the poll suggests.

But his personal approval ratings remain low. he has a net approval score of minus 16.

This is far lower than Sir Keir Starmer who is plus 4.

Luke Tryl, UK Director, More in Common: “The public is clear, changing leader isn’t the solution to the problems facing the Tories.

“But if they do pull the trigger after a bad set of local elections then it looks like Penny Mordaunt is the only hope for improving Tory fortunes.”

Over 2,000 people were quizzed for the survey.

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