Kemi Badenoch has made history by becoming the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom after winning the Conservative Party’s leadership contest. The 44-year-old MP for Saffron Walden secured a decisive victory over rival Robert Jenrick, 42, by a margin of 12,418 votes in a closely fought race to replace former leader Rishi Sunak, who had led the party to its largest defeat in July’s general election.
In her victory speech, Badenoch pledged to renew the Conservative Party and win back voters who have drifted away in recent years. Emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity, she stated, “Our party is critical to the success of our country. But to be heard, we have to be honest.” She acknowledged that the party must admit to past mistakes and work diligently to restore public trust.
As the sixth Conservative leader in less than nine years, Badenoch faces the significant challenge of uniting a fractured party while leading the opposition against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government. Throughout her campaign, she focused on returning the party to its core principles rather than outlining detailed policy proposals.
Attention now turns to her selection of a top team, which will set the tone for the party’s future direction. Despite a sometimes contentious campaign, Badenoch praised Jenrick and hinted at offering him a senior position, acknowledging that he has a key role to play in the party’s future. She has also indicated a willingness to offer roles to all Conservative MPs who launched leadership bids in July, though Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly, who finished third in the race, has ruled himself out of consideration.
Badenoch plans to announce her shadow cabinet by Wednesday, ahead of the critical Budget vote and her first session of Prime Minister’s Questions opposite Sir Keir Starmer. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment, as the Conservative Party seeks to rebuild after being reduced to a record low of 121 seats in the House of Commons with under 24% of the vote in the recent general election.
Robert Jenrick, while not speaking publicly after the result, took to social media to urge his supporters to unite behind Badenoch and “take the fight to this disastrous Labour government.” He expressed gratitude to those who supported his vision for a Conservative Party rooted in the common ground of British politics.
Badenoch plans to announce her shadow cabinet by Wednesday, ahead of the critical Budget vote and her first session of Prime Minister’s Questions opposite Sir Keir Starmer. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment, as the Conservative Party seeks to rebuild after being reduced to a record low of 121 seats in the House of Commons with under 24% of the vote in the recent general election.
Robert Jenrick, while not speaking publicly after the result, took to social media to urge his supporters to unite behind Badenoch and “take the fight to this disastrous Labour government.” He expressed gratitude to those who supported his vision for a Conservative Party rooted in the common ground of British politics.
The leadership race was notably close, with Badenoch receiving 53,806 votes to Jenrick’s 41,388. Bob Blackman, who oversaw the election as chair of the Conservative 1922 Committee, revealed that party membership has shrunk to 132,000—the lowest level on record and down 40,000 members since the last vote in 2022.
Congratulations poured in from several of Badenoch’s predecessors. Rishi Sunak expressed confidence that she will be a superb leader for the party, while former Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised her courage and clarity, noting that she brings much-needed energy to the Conservatives. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the historic significance of her victory, stating that the first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for the country. He added that he looks forward to working with her in the interests of the British people.
However, not all reactions were positive. Labour Party Chair Ellie Reeves criticized the Conservative leadership campaign, suggesting that the party has learned nothing since their resounding rejection in July. Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, was also critical, describing Badenoch as another Tory politician who says one thing and does another, asserting that she was part of a government that failed Britain.
Over the 14-week campaign, debates centered on immigration, the economy, and strategies to rebuild trust with voters. The Conservative Party has seen its support erode, losing voters to Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, with many traditional supporters choosing not to vote at all in the last election.
Badenoch’s ascent to leadership comes just days after Labour unveiled its first Budget in 14 years. Writing in a national newspaper ahead of the Budget’s release, she criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plans, accusing her of conjuring up billions of pounds out of thin air for infrastructure investment. In response, Reeves challenged Badenoch to clarify her position on key issues, stating that if she opposes the Budget, she needs to explain whether she is against investment to reduce waiting lists, recruit teachers, and build critical infrastructure. “Labour has made its choices; now the Tories need to make theirs,” Reeves said.
As she prepares to take the helm, Badenoch faces the significant task of revitalizing a party that has seen its support dwindle in recent years. With promises to renew and rebuild, she aims to steer the Conservatives back to their foundational principles and reconnect with the electorate.
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