Kemi Badenoch, 44, has become the new leader of the Conservative Party, marking a significant milestone as the first Black woman to head a major UK political party. She secured the leadership after winning a contest on a pledge to return the party to its foundational principles, promising to lead the Conservatives through a period of renewal following their defeat in the July election.
Badenoch, known for her right-wing views within the party, intends to prioritize policies aimed at shrinking the state and challenging what she perceives as left-leaning institutional thinking. She has emphasized the importance of defending principles such as free speech, free enterprise, and free markets.
Badenoch emerged victorious in the final stage of the months-long leadership contest, securing 57% of the votes from party members, defeating former immigration minister Robert Jenrick who garnered 43% of the votes.
The appointment has been met with positive reactions, with some noting that the first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for the country. However, Badenoch herself has publicly stated her preference to avoid focusing on her race, emphasizing that her skin color should hold no more significance than her hair or eye color.
The appointment has sparked mixed reactions amongst Black voters in London, a city that leans towards the Labour Party. Some, like Imani Samuels, believe that the Conservatives’ approachability is not solely determined by the race of their leader and that her effectiveness will depend on her actions.
Vaughan Gething, the first Black leader of the Welsh Labour Party, resigned after only four months in the role due to a wave of ministerial resignations in protest of his leadership.
Badenoch’s appointment follows the historic ascension of Rishi Sunak, of Indian origin, as Britain’s first prime minister of colour in October 2022.
Badenoch has promised to tackle the party’s challenges head-on, emphasizing the need to address the questions surrounding the Conservative Party’s resounding defeat in the July election. She has expressed a commitment to renewal and a focus on regaining power.
With her outspoken views on topics ranging from identity politics to the value of officials, Badenoch has garnered both strong supporters and critics. Her leadership is expected to bring significant changes to the Conservatives, who saw their parliamentary presence dwindle to 121 seats in the July election, down from 365 seats in 2019.
Despite a bumpy start for the Labour government, some within the Conservative Party remain optimistic about their chances of reclaiming power at the next election, which is scheduled for 2029. However, some more centrist Conservatives express concerns that Badenoch’s policies may alienate both the moderate wing of the party and voters who had been drawn to the centrist Liberal Democrats in the previous election.
Badenoch’s tenure in government was often marked by disputes with the media, celebrities, and her own officials. Nonetheless, her direct approach has also gained her considerable support, including among the Conservative members who chose her over Jenrick.
She has emphasized the dual responsibilities of the Conservatives as the opposition: holding the Labour government accountable and preparing for a future in government.