Kemi Badenoch chosen as new Tory Leader amidst post-election turmoil
Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party, takes over from Rishi Sunak after their disastrous electoral defeat. With her culture war ideology and controversial views, she pledges yet another attempt at renewal to regain public support.
C ulture warrior Kemi Badenoch has emerged victorious in the race to lead the Tories, succeeding Rishi Sunak after a significant internal contest.
The Member of Parliament for North West Essex, 44, a former software engineer, has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party, making history as the first Black woman to head the party. Badenoch, whose parents immigrated from Nigeria, joins the ranks of female conservative leaders in Britain, following in the steps of Liz Truss, Theresa May, and Margaret Thatcher. Sunak, who took over in 2022 as Britain’s first non-white prime minister, steps down following the Tories’ significant electoral defeat in July.
Badenoch secured 53,806 votes from party members, outpacing Robert Jenrick, who garnered 41,318. The turnout among eligible members was 72.8%, highlighting strong participation despite recent political setbacks.