Kemi Badenoch emerged as the new leader of Britain’s Conservative Party on Saturday, securing victory in a competitive race to lead the party after its historic defeat in July’s election. Badenoch, 44, pledged to steer the Conservatives back to their founding principles, aiming to reinvigorate a party that had its worst electoral performance in decades.
Badenoch replaces former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who resigned following the party’s loss of more than two-thirds of its seats. In her acceptance speech, Badenoch criticized the party’s recent shift towards the political center, stating, “The time has come to tell the truth… It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”
The first Black woman to lead a major political party in Britain, Badenoch brings a right-wing approach and promises a shift away from what she terms “institutional left-wing thinking.” Her platform emphasizes reducing the state and tackling identity politics—a stance that has earned her both avid supporters and outspoken critics.
Badenoch defeated former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting, with 53,806 party members backing her compared to Jenrick’s 41,388 votes.
“The task that stands before us is tough but simple,” Badenoch told party members. “Our first responsibility as His Majesty’s loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government to account.”
Badenoch’s victory marks the fifth leadership change for the Conservatives since 2016. With her strong views and direct style, her leadership signals a period of transformation for the party. However, some centrist members worry that her policies might alienate moderate Conservatives and voters who switched to the Liberal Democrats in the last election.
With the Labour government already facing challenges since its landslide win, some Conservatives believe Badenoch’s leadership could help them regain power in the next general election, scheduled for 2029.
