Kemi Badenoch Becomes First Black Woman to Lead UK's Conservative Party
Succeeding Rishi Sunak, Badenoch aims to restore the party’s fortunes after electoral defeat.
Kemi Badenoch was elected as the new leader of the UK's Conservative Party on Saturday, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the country.
She succeeds Rishi Sunak, whose tenure saw the Conservatives suffer their worst electoral performance since 1832.
Under Sunak, the party lost over 200 seats in the General Elections, leaving them with only 121 seats in the House of Commons, as Labour's Keir Starmer secured victory.
Badenoch won the leadership contest against Robert Jenrick with votes from nearly 100,000 party members.
Her leadership comes as the Conservatives aim to recover from a significant defeat that ended their 14-year rule.
Facing the challenge of rebuilding the party's reputation amidst divisions and scandals, Badenoch plans to hold the Labour government accountable and prepare for the next election, expected in 2029.
She emphasized these goals during her victory speech in London.
Previously serving as the business secretary, Badenoch, 44, presents herself as a disruptor, favoring a low-tax, free-market economy.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent her early years in Nigeria and later worked as a software engineer.
She has sparked controversy with her critical views on cultural diversity and her stance on social policies.
The Conservative leadership race lasted over three months, narrowing the field from six candidates to two.
Both finalists, including Badenoch, are aligned with the right of the party, aiming to regain support from voters leaning towards Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
However, this shift further right risks alienating moderate voters, as the Conservatives have also lost supporters to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
The leadership change comes as the party seeks to redefine its strategy and reconnect with its traditional voter base.
She succeeds Rishi Sunak, whose tenure saw the Conservatives suffer their worst electoral performance since 1832.
Under Sunak, the party lost over 200 seats in the General Elections, leaving them with only 121 seats in the House of Commons, as Labour's Keir Starmer secured victory.
Badenoch won the leadership contest against Robert Jenrick with votes from nearly 100,000 party members.
Her leadership comes as the Conservatives aim to recover from a significant defeat that ended their 14-year rule.
Facing the challenge of rebuilding the party's reputation amidst divisions and scandals, Badenoch plans to hold the Labour government accountable and prepare for the next election, expected in 2029.
She emphasized these goals during her victory speech in London.
Previously serving as the business secretary, Badenoch, 44, presents herself as a disruptor, favoring a low-tax, free-market economy.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, she spent her early years in Nigeria and later worked as a software engineer.
She has sparked controversy with her critical views on cultural diversity and her stance on social policies.
The Conservative leadership race lasted over three months, narrowing the field from six candidates to two.
Both finalists, including Badenoch, are aligned with the right of the party, aiming to regain support from voters leaning towards Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage.
However, this shift further right risks alienating moderate voters, as the Conservatives have also lost supporters to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
The leadership change comes as the party seeks to redefine its strategy and reconnect with its traditional voter base.
