Theresa May is seen as a more likely Tory leader than Boris Johnson by the party ’ s future MPs , a poll has found . The Home Secretary regularly appears at the top of polls of party members of their favourite politician . But Mrs May is also better liked than the London Mayor among those candidates on a ‘ Future MPs Panel ’ , according to the survey conducted by Populus . Leading the charge : Theresa May ( left ) is a more likely Tory leader than Boris Johnson ( right ) a poll of future MPs has found . It found one in four of those questioned thought she would be the next party leader – whether there is a leadership election later this year in the wake of a Tory election defeat or in six years . Some 26 per cent of those asked backed Mrs May , compared to 22 per cent for Mr Johnson , and 12 per cent for Sajid Javid , rising star of the Tory Right , who is Culture Secretary . The poll will disappoint those Tories who want Chancellor George Osborne to succeed Mr Cameron , who did not register as a potential future leader . Mrs May is seen by allies as Britain ’ s Angela Merkel and is the longest serving home secretary in more than 50 years . She will challenge Mr Johnson – whom she is thought to regard as a ‘ faintly ridiculous figure ’ – if the Tories lose the election and Mr Cameron stands down . Mr Johnson is expected to return to Parliament as MP for Uxbridge , having been selected as the party ’ s candidate for the election , while continuing in his role as mayor . Future Labour MPs told Populus that Andy Burnham , the shadow health secretary , was favourite to be the party ’ s next leader . One in four picked the Merseyside MP and former arch Blairite whose politics have become notably more left wing in recent years . Close behind him was Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna on 22 per cent and Yvette Cooper , shadow home secretary , on 21 per cent . Populus interviewed 147 MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates between January 20 and February 13 , all of whom are expected to win their seats .
May often top of the polls as favourite politician by party member . Comment: Seen by allies as Britain 's Angela Merkel - chancellor of Germany . Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham favourite for next Labour leader .