Kemi Badenoch has made history as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the UK. She was chosen as the new leader of the Conservative Party, winning 53,806 votes, which was more than Robert Jenrick’s 41,388.
In her winning speech, Badenoch talked about the need to hold the Labour government responsible and get the party ready for future leadership. As the MP for North West Essex takes charge, she has the challenging job of bringing together a divided party that just had its worst election loss ever.
Badenoch, a supporter of Brexit, was elected to the House of Commons in 2017. She has had several roles, including Secretary of State for Business and Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities. Her leadership is known for her straightforward style and strong views on identity politics.
“The task we have ahead of us is challenging but straightforward,” Badenoch stated. “Our primary duty as the loyal opposition to His Majesty is to ensure this Labour government is held accountable. Our second duty is equally important; it involves getting ready to govern over the next few years