Olukemi Adegoke Badenoch has emerged victorious in the race to succeed ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader
Badenoch defeated Robert Jenrick in the election among Tory members. The victory comes almost four months after the Tories’ crushing general election defeat which triggered Sunak’s resignation.
During her victory speech, now Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch paid a “special tribute” to leadership rival Robert Jenrick. She describes being appointed leader as an “enormous honour” and pledges to hold the Labour government to account
Commending his campaign, she said: “You and I know that we don’t disagree on very much.
“I have no doubt you have a key role to play in our party for many years to come.”
Following her victory, former party prime ministers have urged Conservatives to unite around their new leader.
Rishi Sunak, who will now hand over to Kemi Badenoch, praised her for her commitment and loyalty, saying she will “renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour”, adding “let’s unite behind her”.
Boris Johnson lauded Badenoch’s “courage and clarity”, saying she could “expose Starmer’s failings” and had his full support to lead the Tories to victory at the next election.
David Cameron says it is time for the Tories to “prove ourselves to the British people”, adding “I know all too well that it can be one of the toughest jobs in British politics”.
Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch has served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since November 2024. She previously served in the Cabinet under prime ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak from 2022 to 2024
