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Kemi Badenoch has pledged to regain the support of voters who have strayed from the Conservative Party following her landmark victory in the party’s leadership contest, a triumph that positions her as a transformative figure within the party.
Kemi Badenoch, now the first black woman to lead a prominent political party in the UK at 44 years old, achieved this remarkable milestone by defeating fellow right-wing rival Robert Jenrick, 42, with a decisive margin of 12,418 votes. Her election follows a marathon leadership contest aimed at replacing Rishi Sunak, whose tenure culminated in the party’s most significant defeat in its history during the general election held in July.
While addressing her supporters in a victory speech, Badenoch assured them of her commitment to “renew” the party and declared that it was “time to get down to business,” highlighting her determination to move swiftly into the next phase of leadership.
Taking on the role of the sixth Tory leader in a little under nine years, Kemi Badenoch is charged with the essential task of reconciling a divided party and organizing the opposition against Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government. The Saffron Walden MP stressed the urgency of reconnecting with the voters who have left, stating firmly, “Our party is critical to the success of our country.”
For voices to resonate, honesty is important, Badenoch expressed, as she called for the party to own up to its past errors. She highlighted that the Conservatives need to admit to having “made mistakes” and “let standards slip” throughout their 14 years in power.
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Badenoch chose not to set out detailed policies during her campaign, focusing instead on returning the Conservatives to “first principles”.
All eyes will now turn to who she appoints to her top team as she sets out the future shape of the party over the coming days.
She praised Jenrick despite a sometimes bruising campaign and hinted he may be offered a senior job, telling him “you have a key role in our party for years to come”.
Kemi Badenoch, who made her mark as an MP in 2017 after a notable career in the banking and IT sectors, has pledged to create job opportunities for all Tories who sought leadership roles in July.
In contrast to Badenoch’s offers, shadow home secretary James Cleverly, who came in third during the leadership contest, has stated that he will not be seeking any position within the new administration.
The Eastern Updates indicates that Badenoch aims to present her shadow cabinet by Wednesday, a timely decision as it coincides with the vital Budget vote and her inaugural clash with Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions.
