Conservative leadership hopefuls Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick took part in GB News’ Decision Time: The Race to Lead on Thursday evening.
During the event, the pair took turns tackling questions from audience members, rather than going head-to-head.
GB News members gave their reactions to Jenrick and Badenoch’s performances, with many pointing to Kemi as the stand-out contestant.
Member Lisa said: “I think Kemi would take on Starmer well.”
Kemi Badenoch was the favourite of the majority of audience members at the event
GB News/PA
Another user penned: “Kemi is solid -streets ahead of Jenrick- but I am still voting Reform.”
“Jenrick reminds me of bland Remainer Cameron; Badenoch seems to have some spirit about her,” Michael Veal commented.
Also on the side of Badenoch was Rowena Wood, explaining: “I like Kemi, it would be daft to talk about policies until this Government has been in power a little longer.
“If the last 5 years, the situation will be different so we need to wait for a while. She speaks positively and with passion. She knows she needs to be able to sort out this fractured party and that will be harder than facing down Starmer.
“She says it is a long term project, Jenrick speaks as though he will be sorting everything out in the next few days should he be leader. He was a solicitor, not a small businessman.”
Jeff MacLellan echoed this sentiment adding: “Listening to Badenoch, she is the one for me, NO Waffle, straight talking, go, go go. Badenoch for Leader, a breath of fresh air…”
However, other members were more critical of Badenoch, with Terry Waterhouse stating: “I don’t believe a word Badenoch is saying. She is backed by Gove and stage-managed by CCHQ and Dougie Smith. More lies and subterfuge.”
Another member, Abbey Smith, backed Jenrick, stating: “If Robert doesn’t win this. The Tories will not get back into power. He is the only person saying what we are all thinking.”
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At the live event last night, an overwhelming majority of audience members also believed Badenoch won the bout, with far fewer hands being raised for Jenrick.
Following GB News’ snap poll of audience members, a Badenoch campaign source said: “The verdict of the GB News audience was clear: Kemi was the overwhelming winner tonight.”
However, a spokesperson for Jenrick demanded a “real head-to-head debate”, adding: “Party members deserve to see these candidates debate the big challenges facing our country.”
