Kemi Badenoch, of Nigerian origin, replaces Sunak

Badenoch, known for her strong opinions, combative and from the far right wing 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 living in Nigeria: ‘The Iron Lady’, Margaret Thatcher. In this way it has become, together 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 he decided to resign due to the defeat suffered in the British general elections on July 4.

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 graduating with a degree in banking and working for the Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Coutts. It was not until 2012 when he began his political career.

Crushing victory

Badenoch, of the rightmost wing of the formationdefeated the other candidate, the former Secretary of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick, in the election held among the party’s members, after other candidates were eliminated in the first phase of voting that took place among Conservative deputies.

He obtained a total of 53,806 votes compared to Jenrick’s 41,388 supports, while electoral participation was 72.8%, according to the result announced by Bob Black, president of the 1992 Committee – which groups together ‘Tory’ deputies without responsibilities.

In a short speech, Badenoch thanked Rishi Sunak for his work at the head of 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 have to be honest: “Honest about the fact that we made mistakes.”said.

Sunak calls for party union

On his X social media account, Sunak today urged Conservatives to unite around the new leader. “I know that she will be a magnificent leader of our great game. “He will renew our party, defend Conservative values ​​and fight the Labor Party,” Sunak wrote.

Meanwhile, Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the arrival of the first black woman to the leadership. “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 benefit 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 accept the conservative failures of recent years.”