Britain's Conservative Party has elected Kemi Badenoch as its new leader, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom. Badenoch's election
follows the departure of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose leadership saw the party suffer its worst electoral defeat since 1832.
In a vote involving nearly 100,000 Conservative Party members, Badenoch defeated her rival, Robert Jenrick. She now faces the daunting task of revitalizing the party after a devastating election loss that stripped the Conservatives of over 200 seats, leaving them with just 121 in Parliament. Badenoch’s leadership comes at a time when the party is grappling with years of internal divisions, scandals, and economic difficulties.
During her victory speech in London, Badenoch addressed Conservative lawmakers, party staff, and journalists, acknowledging the formidable challenge ahead. “The task that stands before us is tough but simple,” she declared, emphasizing the need for accountability and preparation for the next general election, expected in 2029. She outlined her vision of holding the Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer to account, while developing a compelling set of policies that would resonate with voters.
Badenoch's husband, Hamish, was present to celebrate her victory, applauding as she was announced as the new leader. In her speech, Badenoch outlined a two-part strategy for the Conservatives: first, to rigorously scrutinize Labour's policies on key issues like the economy and immigration, and second, to craft a clear, actionable plan to regain public trust and improve governance.
The 44-year-old politician, who previously served as Business Secretary, brings a unique background to her new role. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent much of her childhood in Nigeria and later worked as a software engineer before entering politics. Badenoch describes herself as a reformer and a proponent of a low-tax, free-market economy, vowing to “rewire, reboot, and reprogram” the British state.
Badenoch's views have often sparked controversy. An outspoken critic of "wokeness" and cultural diversity initiatives, she has drawn backlash for comments suggesting that “not all cultures are equally valid” and for criticizing what she perceives as overly generous maternity leave policies.
The Conservative leadership contest, which unfolded over three months, narrowed the field from six candidates to the final two, both of whom appeal to the party’s right wing. Badenoch and Jenrick presented themselves as the best options to win back voters who have shifted allegiance to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, an anti-immigration party that has been eroding Conservative support.
Nevertheless, the party has also seen significant defections to Labour and the centrist Liberal Democrats. Some Conservatives worry that moving further to the right could alienate moderate voters, complicating Badenoch's mission to rebuild the party’s electoral prospects. Photo by Department for International Trade and The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.