In a groundbreaking moment for British politics, Kemi Badenoch has become the first black leader of a Westminster political party and the Conservatives’ fourth female leader, after a tightly-fought battle against Robert Jenrick.
Badenoch, formerly the business secretary, secured 53,806 votes (56.5 per cent) from Conservative Party members, with Mr Jenrick winning 41,388 votes (43.5 per cent), marking one of the closest leadership contests in modern Conservative history.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Badenoch struck a serious tone, calling for the Conservatives to face their past shortcomings and “tell the truth” as they work to revive their standing.
“This is not just about the Conservative Party,” she told supporters, “it is about the people we want to bring back to the Conservative Party. It is about the people we need to bring into the Conservative Party.”
Reflecting on the need for renewal, she continued, “Our party is critical to the success of our country, but to be heard, 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 they deserve. It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”
Mrs Badenoch also praised Mr Jenrick’s campaign, saying, “We have all been impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don’t actually disagree on very much, and I have no doubt that you have a key part to play in our party for many years to come.”
On Saturday afternoon, Mr Jenrick posted his congratulations on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch. Thank you to everyone who supported my vision for a Conservative Party rooted in the common ground of British politics. It’s now time for the Conservatives to unite behind Kemi and take the fight to this disastrous Labour Government.”
Allies of Mr Jenrick have hinted he would be “ready to serve,” although announcements on Badenoch’s new shadow cabinet are expected next week.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, never one to hold a grudge, offered his full endorsement, despite Badenoch’s high-profile resignation from his cabinet in 2022, where she famously encouraged others to do the same in a WhatsApp group.
Mr. Johnson’s response was characteristically lively: “Congratulations to Kemi on her outstanding victory. She brings a much-needed zing and zap to the Conservative Party. This sleaze-ridden Labour government has no ideas or agenda beyond the old tax and spend socialism. They are far more vulnerable than the parliamentary maths might suggest. Kemi has exactly the right courage and clarity to expose Starmer’s failings. She is now ideally placed to flip them over and take the Tories to victory at the next election. I will be giving her my full support and call on all Conservatives to do the same.”
With her leadership firmly established, Mrs Badenoch has vowed to “get down to business,” pledging to rebuild the Conservative Party, restore public trust, and put forward a bold new vision. She believes that, with renewed purpose, the party can regain its footing, offering the British public a robust, revitalised opposition to Labour at the next general election.
