Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party, succeeding Rishi Sunak. The BBC reports that Badenoch, 44, emerged victorious over Robert Jenrick after a competitive four-month contest triggered by Sunak’s resignation following a disappointing election loss. This historic win makes Badenoch the first individual of African heritage to lead the Conservative Party.
The election saw a voter turnout of 72%, according to Conservative MP Bob Blackman. However, a YouGov poll revealed that many voters have yet to form a clear opinion about Badenoch; 40% of respondents expressed dislike for her.
Former justice secretary Robert Buckland praised Badenoch, stating, “As a leader, she will be an excellent person to work with,” noting that he had witnessed her strong character and abilities during their time in government together.
He emphasized the need for the party to reset its values, saying, “We’ve got to win trust; without trust, we don’t get anywhere in terms of electoral success. I think she better understands that more than most, and that’s why she deserved to win.”
Buckland acknowledged the challenges ahead, describing the role of opposition leader as an “unenviable task.” He stressed that Badenoch would need to focus on winning back power, stating, “She is the person who had more MP support than any other in the leadership race, so people need to knuckle down and get on with the job of opposing the government, not opposing each other.”
He expressed hope for a “new phase in politics,” suggesting that Badenoch has the potential to unite the party and facilitate a regrouping of the Tories. Buckland urged her to consider insights from think tanks and policy units to develop innovative policies, adding, “It’s going to be very hard and unglamorous, but I believe Kemi has the strength of spirit to do it.”
