Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian politician, has made history as the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party after a tightly contested 14-week leadership race. Born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke in Wimbledon, London, in January 1980, Badenoch was raised in Nigeria before returning to the UK. Her victory marks her as the first Black woman to lead a major political party in Britain, winning the Conservative leadership with at least 53,806 votes, outpacing her opponent Robert Jenrick by 12,418 votes.

With her new role, Badenoch has a historic opportunity to become the first Black British and Nigerian woman to serve as the UK’s Prime Minister. She outlined her leadership objectives to hold the Labour government accountable and to prepare the Conservatives for a potential future government. “This has not been the easiest campaign… it took a lot of guts and courage,” Badenoch said, adding, “we needed to renew before preparing a new manifesto for the next election… it means we all have a stake in the party… let’s get to work” (Source: BBC News Africa).

Badenoch’s leadership comes during a critical time for the Conservatives, who face the challenge of winning back voters who have drifted away from the party in recent years. She becomes the sixth Conservative leader in less than nine years, tasked with uniting a divided party and standing as the main opposition to Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government. Many are eagerly watching her next moves, particularly regarding appointments to her shadow government.

Badenoch entered Parliament in 2017 after a career in banking and IT and has served in several key roles, including Secretary of State for Business and Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities. She has also served as the Conservative Party’s Vice-Chair and was a member of the Justice Select Committee. Before her MP tenure, she was a member of the London Assembly, where she focused on economic issues.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Labour leader, acknowledged her achievement, posting on Facebook, “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.”

Badenoch expressed gratitude to Conservative members who supported her, saying, “It is an honour and a privilege to have been elected to lead our great Conservative Party, a party that I love and that has given me so much.” She also acknowledged her opponent, Robert Jenrick, and affirmed his future in the party. “Thank you to all the members who have put their faith in me. It is time to renew,” she added.