Kemi Badenoch on Saturday won the vote to become the UK Conservatives’ new leader, replacing Rishi Sunak who quit after the party’s disastrous showing in July’s general election.
Here News Direct highlights five (5) things to know about the new Conversative Party leader
Political Career
Kemi Badenoch is a prominent British politician who has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Saffron Walden since 2017. She has held various government positions, including Minister for Equalities and Secretary of State for International Trade.
Background
Badenoch was born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents. Her childhood was spent in part of the United States of America, and in Lagos, Nigeria. She returned to the United Kingdom at the age of 16. She was educated at the University of Sussex and has a background in technology and finance.
Conservative Party Member
As a member of the Conservative Party, Badenoch is known for her strong stance on issues like free speech, education reform, and economic development. She has gained recognition for her views on promoting diversity of thought within the party.
Leadership Aspirations
Badenoch ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party in 2022, showcasing her ambition and vision for the party’s future. Although she did not win, her candidacy raised her profile significantly.
Controversial Stances
Badenoch has been a vocal critic of certain aspects of political correctness and identity politics, which has drawn both support and criticism. She advocates for policies that she believes promote equality without undermining individual merit.
Her victory means she becomes the official face of the opposition and face off against Labour’s Keir Starmer in the House of Commons every Wednesday for the traditional Prime Minister’s Questions.