Kemi Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, has officially entered the race for Conservative Party leadership, aiming to replace Rishi Sunak. Known for her straightforward and combative style, Badenoch promises to “tell voters the truth” and focus on renewing the party for the 2030s.
She joins James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick, Mel Stride, and Priti Patel in the race. Suella Braverman, despite having the required backing, chose not to run, citing fundamental disagreements with the party’s direction on issues like migration and taxation.
Badenoch emphasizes a return to first principles, advocating for a nation-state’s sovereign duty to its citizens, efficient government services, and a renewal of capitalism. Her candidacy reflects her previous prominence in the 2022 leadership contest and her reputation for robust debate and addressing critical issues such as women’s rights and racism.
