Kemi Badenoch made history by becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party, making her the first Black woman to head a major British political party. She won a leadership contest by promising to steer the party back to its founding principles. Badenoch, aged 44, takes over from former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and aims to lead the party through a period of renewal following its significant defeat in the July election.
Positioned on the right of the Conservative Party, Badenoch is expected to advocate for policies that reduce the size of the state and challenge what she perceives as institutional left-wing ideologies. She emphasizes the importance of defending principles such as free speech, free enterprise, and free markets.
Badenoch secured victory by winning 57% of the party members' votes in a competitive contest that saw a field of six candidates narrowed down to two. She defeated former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who garnered 43% of the votes.
Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Badenoch's win, acknowledging it as a proud moment for the country. Badenoch herself has expressed a desire not to focus on her race, stating that she wishes for skin color to be as insignificant as hair or eye color.
While some Black voters in London are cautiously optimistic about Badenoch's leadership, others believe she should embrace her Black identity proudly. Vaughan Gething previously became the first Black leader of the Welsh Labour Party but resigned after just four months as the first minister of Wales.
Badenoch has vowed to address the challenges within the Conservative Party directly, emphasizing the need for truth and renewal. With a firm stance on various issues, she has both supporters and critics, poised to bring change to the Conservative Party, which experienced a significant decrease in parliamentary seats.
As the Labour government faces initial challenges, some Conservatives are hopeful about regaining power in the upcoming 2029 election. However, concerns exist among centrist Conservatives that Badenoch's approach may alienate moderate party members and voters who were swayed by the centrist Liberal Democrats in the previous election.
Despite past disputes with the media, celebrities, and officials, Badenoch's straightforward approach has garnered support from many, including Conservative members who elected her over Jenrick. She emphasized the party's responsibility to hold the Labour government accountable and prepare for potential governance in the future.
