The British Conservative Party has appointed a black woman to head its organization. The MP and former Minister of Affairs, Olukemo Olufunto Badenochknown as Kemi Badenochwas elected this Saturday leader of the British Blue Party, the first black woman taking the reins of one of the UK’s main political parties.
Badenoch, known for her strong, combative and from the far right of the partyhas as its political heroine the one who was once leader of the party and who was prime minister during Kemi’s childhood while he lived in Nigeria: “The Iron Lady”, Margaret Thatcher. This is how he became, with Thatcher, Theresa May and Liz Trussthe fourth woman to lead the Conservatives.
The new leader replaces to the former conservative prime minister Rishi Sunakafter deciding to resign due to defeat in the British general election on July 4.
The British Conservative Party announces its new leader: Robert Jenrick applauds alongside Kemi Badenoch.
Reuters
Kemi Badenoch was born in Wimbledon on January 2, 1980 (44 years old), into a Nigerian family (a doctor father and a psychologist mother). He spent part of his childhood in Lagos and the United States before returning to the United Kingdom at the age of 16.
After graduating from the University of Sussex, he was software engineer in logic before studying law at Birkbeck, University of London, eventually gaining a degree in banking and working for the Royal Bank of Scotland group and Coutts. It was only in 2012 that he began his political career.
Crushing victory
Badenoch, rightmost wing of the formationdefeated the other candidate, former Immigration Secretary Robert Jenrick, in the election among party members, after other candidates were eliminated in the first phase of voting which took place among conservative MPs.
He received a total of 53,806 votes against 41,388 support for Jenrick, while the electoral participation was 72.8%, according to the result announced by Bob Black, president of the 1992 Committee – which brings together “conservative” deputies without responsibilities.
In a short speech, Badenoch thanked Rishi Sunak for his work leading the party and other MPs who aspired to lead the party now in opposition. “Our party is fundamental to the success of our country, but to be heard we must be honest: “Honestly about the fact that we made mistakes.”said.
Sunak calls for party unity
On his X social media account, Sunak today urged Tories to unite around the new leader. “I know that she will be a wonderful leader of our great game. “He will renew our party, defend conservative values and fight the Labor Party,” Sunak wrote.
Kemi Badenoch is on stage alongside 1922 Committee Chairman Bob Blackman.
Reuters
For his part, Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the arrival of the first black woman at the head of the country. “The first black leader of a party from Westminster (seat of Parliament) is a proud moment for our country. I look forward to working with you and your party for the good of the British people,” added the head of government.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey congratulated Badenoch and said “the election of the first black leader of a major political party of the United Kingdom is a historic moment for the country. “Voters across the country believe their party is too divided, out of touch with reality and unable to come to terms with the Conservative failures of recent years.”
