Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party. She makes history as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the UK. Badenoch won a leadership contest with a promise to return the party to its founding principles.
At 44, Badenoch replaces former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. She has vowed to lead the party through renewal following its significant defeat in the July elections. Badenoch claims the Conservatives have moved toward the political center by “governing from the left.”
As a prominent figure on the right of the party, Badenoch intends to promote policies that reduce state intervention. She is expected to challenge what she views as institutional left-wing thinking. Badenoch emphasizes the need to defend free speech, free enterprise, and free markets.
Badenoch becomes the fifth leader of the Conservatives since mid-2016. She secured 57 percent of votes from party members, defeating former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who received 43 percent. Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed her victory, calling it a proud moment for the nation.
While acknowledging her historic achievement, Badenoch has expressed a desire to not focus solely on her race. She stated that the color of one’s skin should be as insignificant as hair or eye color. Earlier this year, Vaughan Gething became the first Black leader of the Welsh Labour Party but resigned after four months.
Badenoch promises to address issues within the party directly. “The time has come to tell the truth,” she declared, emphasizing the need for accountability. Her views on identity politics and governance attract both supporters and critics.
Despite challenges, some Conservatives are hopeful about regaining power in the next election, scheduled for 2029. However, moderate members express concern that Badenoch’s approach may alienate centrist voters. Her straightforward style and no-nonsense attitude have garnered her significant support from party members.