Kemi Badenoch named new Conservative leader

Kemi Badenoch named new Conservative leader

Kemi Badenoch has been named the new leader of the Conservative Party after winning a divisive contest

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Kemi Badenoch has emerged victorious in the contest to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader, sealing her new role following a turbulent four-month campaign. The ex-Cabinet minister claimed the Tory leadership after party members who previously backed Liz Truss cast their lot with her over fellow contender, and one-time Home Office minister, Robert Jenrick.

This result comes as quite the shake-up after favorite James Cleverly was ousted by MPs last month. Following Sunak’s resignation post-election - a defeat that saw the Tories lose 251 seats and ushered Keir Starmer into No 10 - the leadership race kicked off.

Reacting to this significant win, Richard Fuller CBE MP, Chair of the Conservative Party, remarked: "On behalf of the whole Conservative Party I'd like to congratulate Kemi Badenoch on being elected as our new leader. Over the course of the leadership contest we have seen six strong, credible candidates who have spent their time travelling around the country meeting our excellent party members."

"I would like to thank all the candidates for their conduct and commitment during the leadership contest and the team at CCHQ for their hard work throughout.", reports the Mirror.

He continued: "With Kemi Badenoch in place as our new leader now is the time for the whole Party to unite and take the fight to Labour, the Liberal Democrats, SNP and Reform."

Ms Badenoch, 44, is preparing to steer a divided and embattled Tory party through a potentially long stint in opposition, with the next general election slated for 2029. She quickly emerged as the favoured candidate, according to a key poll by the Conservative Home site, which indicated she had the backing of 55% of Tory members.

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