Kemi Badenoch was elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party on Saturday, succeeding Rishi Sunak. The BBC reported that Badenoch, 44, emerged victorious over Robert Jenrick after a four-month leadership contest triggered by Sunak’s resignation following a major election defeat.
With this win, Badenoch has become the first person of African heritage to lead the Conservative Party. Voter turnout in the leadership election was 72%, according to Conservative MP Bob Blackman.
While public opinion on Badenoch remains mixed, with 40% of respondents in a YouGov poll expressing a negative view of her, she has received strong endorsements from colleagues. Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland praised Badenoch’s leadership qualities, noting her firm character and abilities, which he observed firsthand during their time in government.
“She understands that the party must restore its values and regain public trust. Without trust, electoral success is impossible,” Buckland said. “This insight sets her apart and is part of why she deserved this victory.”
As the new opposition leader, Badenoch faces the challenge of uniting the Conservative Party and re-establishing its influence. Buckland acknowledged the difficult path ahead, calling her new role an “unenviable task” but expressing confidence in her resilience and strength.
He urged Badenoch to collaborate with think tanks and policy units for innovative solutions, emphasizing that although the work may be tough and unglamorous, he believes she has the spirit to lead the Conservatives effectively.
“This could mark a new phase in politics, with Kemi leading efforts to unite the party and regroup the Tories for the challenges ahead,” he added.
