Kemi Badenoch becomes new leader of UK's Conservative Party

On November 2, Kemi Badenoch was elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom, becoming the first Black leader of a major UK party and the fourth woman to lead the Tories.

She defeated her fellow conservative Robert Jenrick by 12,418 votes.

Badenoch will take over the charge from former prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Badenoch promised to return the Conservatives to "first principles".

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, and Ed Davey, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, both extended their congratulations to her on becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party.

== Sources ==

Sam Francis. Badenoch promises change after historic Tory leadership win — BBC News Online, November 2, 2024

Peter Walker. Kemi Badenoch wins Tory leadership election — The Guardian, November 2, 2024

Elizabeth Piper, Andrew Macaskill. Kemi Badenoch becomes first Black woman to lead UK Conservatives — Reuters, November 2, 2024