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Kemi Badenoch Wins Tory Leadership with 53,806 Votes, Becomes First Black Woman Leader

Nov 2, 2024, 11:46 AM

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the UK's Conservative Party, becoming the first black woman to lead a major British political organization and the fifth Conservative leader in five years. Badenoch secured 53,806 votes in the leadership contest, defeating Robert Jenrick, who received 41,318 votes. The turnout was 72.8% of the 131,680 eligible voters. In her acceptance speech on November 2, 2024, Badenoch acknowledged past mistakes made by the party and emphasized the need for renewal. "The time has come to tell the truth," she said. "We have to be honest about the fact we made mistakes and we let standards slip. It is time to get down to business. It is time to renew." She added, "It is an absolute honour to be elected to this role, to lead the party that I love." Badenoch's election has been hailed as a historic moment by figures across the political spectrum. Labour leader Keir Starmer offered his congratulations, noting that "the first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country." Bob Blackman, chairman of the 1922 Committee, remarked, "Another glass ceiling shattered." Former Prime Minister David Cameron also extended his congratulations, emphasizing the importance of party renewal under her leadership. Badenoch faces the immediate challenge of uniting the Conservative Party after a contentious leadership contest and preparing to hold the Labour government to account. "Our first responsibility is to hold Labour to account," she stated. Supporters within the party expressed confidence in her ability to rebuild and lead effectively.