Kemi Badenoch wins race to become Conservative leader

Kemi Badenoch Becomes First Black Female Leader of the Conservative Party

Kemi Badenoch has made history by being elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party in the UK. She defeated Robert Jenrick in a final ballot of party members, securing the position with a clear majority.

Badenoch received 53,806 votes, while Jenrick garnered 41,388 votes. The turnout among eligible electors was 72.8%, indicating strong engagement from party members. The official announcement of the results took place at a gathering in central London on Thursday morning.

Facing a Significant Challenge

Badenoch faces the formidable task of reviving a party that suffered significant losses in the recent British general election. The Conservatives lost seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, resulting in a reduced presence of only 121 MPs in the House of Commons.

During the leadership campaign, key issues like immigration, the economy, and rebuilding trust with the electorate were extensively debated. Badenoch has pledged to address these challenges head-on.

A Call to Unity and Action

In her victory speech, Badenoch emphasized the dual responsibilities of the Conservative Party: holding the Labour government accountable as the official opposition and preparing for future government by developing clear policies and strategies.

“The first responsibility as his majesty’s loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government to account. Our second is no less important. It is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government, to ensure that by the time of the next election, we have not just a clear set of Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people, but a clear plan for how to implement them, a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works. The Prime Minister is discovering all too late the perils of not having such a plan. That huge job begins today,” she declared.

Congratulatory Messages from Top Politicians

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak both extended their congratulations to Kemi Badenoch.

Congratulations, @KemiBadenoch, on becoming the Conservative Party’s new leader.

The first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country.

I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 2, 2024

Congratulations to @KemiBadenoch on being elected @Conservatives party leader.

I know that she will be a superb leader of our great party. She will renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour.

Let’s unite behind her.

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 2, 2024

Additional reporting by PA