Dame Maureen Lipman, the veteran actress and longtime Labour supporter, has indicated she may vote for the Conservative Party for the first time, citing her admiration for Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch. Lipman, who has been a Labour voter for about 50 years, broke with the party in 2014 after then-Labour leader Ed Miliband expressed support for recognizing the state of Palestine. As a Jewish public figure, Lipman was also a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyn, particularly regarding the anti-Semitism controversies that emerged during his leadership.

During an appearance on Sky’s *The Cathy Newman Show* in late July 2026, Lipman was asked about her political stance following Andy Burnham's recent election as Labour leader. She praised Badenoch as "amazing" and described her as a "truthful politician." Lipman acknowledged that while she has never voted Conservative before, she currently supports Badenoch and admires her articulation and intelligence.

“She held the House during the Starmer years, held him to account, and I like her,” Lipman said, adding that although she still needed to consider her vote carefully, Badenoch had her support at present.

Lipman’s comments come in the wake of heightened concerns about anti-Semitism in the UK. Last month, she disclosed hiring personal security after pro-Palestine activists in Aberdeen attempted to cancel her stage show, an incident she attributed to government inaction on anti-Semitism.

Kemi Badenoch, who became Conservative leader in November 2024 succeeding Rishi Sunak, has faced a challenging tenure. The party suffered severe setbacks in the May 2025 local elections, losing most of their seats. Additionally, several prominent Conservatives, including Robert Jenrick—who had previously contested the party leadership—defected to Reform UK, contributing to a decline in Tory support to as low as 17.5 percent.

However, recent polling indicates the Conservative Party has narrowed its gap with Reform UK, reducing the difference from 13 to six percentage points. Badenoch’s net approval rating, which had previously dipped below minus 30, has now turned positive for the first time. Analysts attribute this resurgence, in part, to the party’s popular pledge to abolish stamp duty, a move that has resonated with voters.

Lipman’s possible shift in allegiance highlights continued political realignments within the British electorate as parties navigate leadership changes and ongoing policy debates.