Kemi Badenoch becomes the first black woman to lead the UK Conservative Party

History Made in the United Kingdom ?? !✨?
Today, Kemi Badenoch becomes the first Black woman and Nigerian to lead the Conservative Party, a monumental shift that’s transforming the face of British politics!

Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch; née Adegoke, born 2 January 1980 (44 yrs old) is a British politician who has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government since 2024 and was Secretary of State for Business and Trade from 2023 to 2024.

The 44-year-old North West Essex MP has been declared the winner of the months-long contest, beating Robert Jenrick.

Ms Badenoch received 53,806 votes to Mr Jenrick’s 41,388.

Her father, Femi Adegoke, was a GP (Medical Doctor) and her mother, Feyi Adegoke, was a professor of physiology. She has a brother and a sister. Badenoch spent her childhood living in Lagos, Nigeria, and in the United States, where her mother lectured.

From her roots in Nigeria to the heights of Westminster, Badenoch’s rise isn’t just personal—it’s a powerful story of resilience and diversity breaking through the walls of tradition. In a world where representation matters, her leadership is redefining possibilities for millions who’ve never seen themselves in such a role.

Speaking after her win, Ms Badenoch thanked the other candidates, saying the party had come through the campaign “more united”.

The new leader went on to say the party’s first duty as opposition was to hold Labour to account – and also to prepare for government by the time of the next election.

She then went on to criticise previous Conservative administrations.

“Our party is critical to the success of our country,” Ms Badenoch said.

“But to be heard, we have to be honest, honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.

“The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party and our country the new start that they deserve.

“It is time to get down to business. It is time to renew.”

In total, about 132,000 members of the Conservative Party were eligible to vote in the leadership election – a noticeable fall from the 172,000 in the contest in 2022 which Liz Truss won.

The turnout was also down – 72.8% in 2024 vs 82.2% in 2022 – with about 40,000 members not voting.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch, on becoming the Conservative Party’s new leader.

“The first black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country.

“I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people.”

Ellie Reeves, who is chair of the Labour Party, delivered a more political attack: “It’s been a summer of yet more Conservative chaos and division.

“They could have spent the past four months listening to the public, taking responsibility for the mess they made and changing their party.

“Instead, Kemi Badenoch’s election as leader shows they’re incapable of change.

“Meanwhile, the Labour Government is getting on with fixing the foundations of our economy and cleaning up the mess the Tories left behind.”

Ms Badenoch served as shadow business and trade secretary since the Conservative Party lost the general election in July and Rishi Sunak said he would stand down as leader, triggering the campaign.

Her campaign was called Renewal 2030 and targeted the next election for the Tories to return to power.

Ms Badenoch was criticised at times for her outspoken approach, with opponents jumping on comments she made about subjects such as maternity pay, gender equality and net zero.

But she has long been popular among the party membership, and previously ran to be leader in 2022.

As British politics grows more inclusive and diverse, this landmark moment reminds us all: The future belongs to those bold and audacious enough to defy boundaries!