LONDON — In a decisive move to revitalize its fortunes following a significant electoral setback, Britain’s Conservative Party has elected Kemi Badenoch as its new leader on Saturday, marking a new chapter after a disheartening 14 years in power.
Badenoch, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major British political party, emerged victorious over fellow lawmaker Robert Jenrick in a competitive election that drew participation from nearly 100,000 members of the Conservative Party, commonly referred to as the Tories.
In an impressive show of support, Badenoch secured 53,806 votes in the comprehensive online and postal ballot, surpassing Jenrick who garnered 41,388 votes.
In a gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to X to commend Badenoch, stating, “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.”
However, many commendatory remarks were tempered with critiques. Labour Party Chair Ellie Reeves noted, “Kemi was part of the chaos of the last 14 years.”
Acknowledging the historic nature of her election, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey remarked on X that many voters feel her party is too divided, out of touch, and unable to face the Conservative failures of preceding years.
Scottish National Party deputy leader Keith Brown expressed concern over the implications of Badenoch’s leadership, stating, “The election of Kemi Badenoch as leader has finalised the Tories’ lurch to the far right,” signaling a potential ideological shift.
Renowned expert Tony Travers, a professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, commented on her positioning within the party, noting that Badenoch is perceived by many Conservative members as a pragmatic voice who articulates “common sense.” Travers suggested she may be the candidate Labour Party least desired to see win.
As the first Black leader of a major political party in the UK, Badenoch possesses a unique perspective on race-related issues. Travers highlighted that her views differ significantly from those on the progressive left, as she is “way less enthusiastic about progressive interpretations of the position of people of color in society,” presenting a complex challenge for the Labour Party.
Badenoch replaces former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who presided over the Conservatives’ most dismal electoral performance since 1832, where the party suffered a loss of over 200 seats, reducing their representation to a mere 121.
In her inaugural address, Badenoch outlined the monumental challenge that lies ahead: to mend the party’s reputation amid years of turmoil, divisions, scandals, and the economic crises that have plagued the party, while simultaneously critiquing Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approaches on pressing issues like the economy and immigration, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming power in the next general election, which is expected by 2029.
“The task that stands before us is tough but simple,” Badenoch declared in her victory speech to a gathering of Conservative lawmakers, party staff, and journalists in London. She emphasized the importance of holding the Labour government accountable while devising a concrete plan and strategy for the party’s future.
Travers suggested that Badenoch faces a critical decision regarding the party’s ideological direction: whether to continue veering rightward to reclaim support lost to right-wing populist Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, or to reposition closer to the center to attract centrist voters essential for electoral success.
Despite what Travers described as a “historically terrible” election result for the Conservatives, he noted the party’s remarkable resilience and capacity for recovery, although the evolving political landscape raises questions about what lies ahead.
In the UK, parliamentary elections are mandated at least every five years but lack fixed dates, providing Prime Ministers the discretion to schedule them when confident of electoral success.
Acknowledging the party’s electoral challenges, Badenoch stated, “we have to be honest — honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.”
“The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party, and our country, the new start that they deserve,” she asserted emphatically.
Having served as a business secretary in Sunak’s administration, Badenoch was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent a significant portion of her early years in Nigeria.
At 44 years old, Badenoch, a former software engineer, champions a low-tax, free-market economy, vowing to “rewire, reboot and reprogram” the operations of the British state.
Known for her critical stance on multiculturalism, she is a vocal opponent of what she refers to as “wokeness” and has opposed initiatives such as gender-neutral bathrooms and government strategies aimed at reducing U.K. carbon emissions. Throughout her leadership campaign, Badenoch faced backlash for her remarks suggesting “not all cultures are equally valid” and for her views on maternity pay.
Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, predicted that the Conservative Party would likely shift further to the right in both economic and social policies under Badenoch’s leadership.
He forecasted a focus on the “boats, boilers and bathrooms strategy,” which prioritizes concerns surrounding trans issues, immigration policies, and skepticism towards progress on achieving net-zero emissions.
While the Conservative Party maintains a demographic imbalance, predominantly comprising affluent, older white men among its 132,000 members, its leadership has become increasingly diverse.
Badenoch is now the third female leader in Conservative history, following the tenures of Margaret Thatcher and Liz Truss, both of whom ascended to the position of prime minister. She stands as the second Conservative leader with a non-white background after Rishi Sunak and the first with African heritage. In contrast, the centre-left Labour Party has only ever been led by white men.
A formidable and combative political figure, Badenoch is noted for her confrontational engagements with journalists, Labour politicians, and public figures. Earlier this year, she responded to actor David Tennant’s critique, calling him a “rich, lefty, white male celebrity so blinded by ideology he can’t see the optics of attacking the only black woman in government.”
Badenoch’s first opportunity to showcase her leadership will come when she debates Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) this Wednesday, a lively weekly event where the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition engage in spirited exchanges before a frequently animated House of Commons.
**Interview with Kemi Badenoch: Historic Leadership in the UK Conservative Party**
*Editor*: Welcome, Kemi, and congratulations on your historic election as the leader of the Conservative Party. You are the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the UK. How does it feel to break this barrier?
*Kemi Badenoch*: Thank you! It feels incredibly humbling but also exhilarating. I see this as a moment not just for me but for everyone who has felt underrepresented in our political landscape. I hope my leadership will inspire others to pursue their ambitions without the burden of our past divisions.
*Editor*: Your victory came in the wake of significant electoral challenges for the Conservatives. What are your immediate priorities as you lead the party forward?
*Kemi Badenoch*: My primary focus is to rebuild trust in the Conservative Party after a challenging period. We need to acknowledge our mistakes while presenting a clear and pragmatic vision for the future. It’s crucial to hold the current Labour government accountable but also to demonstrate that we have a strong plan to address the pressing issues facing the British public, especially the economy and immigration.
*Editor*: There have been mixed reactions to your election, with some praising the achievement and others critiquing your connection to the last 14 years of Conservative leadership. How do you respond to those criticisms?
*Kemi Badenoch*: I appreciate the recognition of my election’s significance. However, I understand the concerns. Just because I was part of the administration doesn’t mean I endorse everything done in the past. I believe in honest dialogue about our shortcomings and implementing meaningful changes to renew our party and its principles.
*Editor*: What challenges do you see in terms of your party’s ideological direction? There are voices suggesting a move towards the far right, while others advocate for a centrist approach to attract a wider voter base.
*Kemi Badenoch*: It’s essential to strike the right balance. We cannot ignore the shifts in the political landscape, and we need to be pragmatic about our approach. My goal is to rally support around common-sense policies that resonate with a broad range of voters while being grounded in Conservative values.
*Editor*: You have made headlines for your critical views on multiculturalism and “wokeness.” How do these perspectives inform your leadership and policy proposals?
*Kemi Badenoch*: My views stem from a belief in unity and a focus on shared values that bring us together as a society. I think it’s vital to challenge ideologies that divide us. This doesn’t mean disregarding cultural contributions but rather fostering a society where all can thrive without encouraging division.
*Editor*: Lastly, looking ahead, what is your vision for the Conservative Party in the next general election?
*Kemi Badenoch*: I envision a party that is revitalized, accountable, and ready to offer real solutions to the public’s concerns. We need to “rewire” our approach, focusing on economic growth, community safety, and a cohesive national identity. It’s time for a fresh start, and I am committed to leading the Conservative Party towards that goal.
*Editor*: Thank you, Kemi, for sharing your thoughts with us today. We look forward to seeing how your leadership unfolds.
*Kemi Badenoch*: Thank you for having me! I am excited about the journey ahead.
