New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

2 November 2024, 11:11 | Updated: 2 November 2024, 14:47

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party.

The former business secretary was declared the winner at an event in central London on Saturday, defeating rival Robert Jenrick by 53,806 votes to 41,388.

The North West Essex MP will replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Opposition and seek to chart a path back to power for the Tories after their disastrous election defeat in July.

She is the first Black person to lead a British political party and the fourth female Conservative leader.

Kemi Badenoch paid tribute to her leadership rival Robert Jenrick after her election and said the party's task was "tough but simple".

She said: "I'd also like to pay a special tribute to Robert Jenrick, who has fought a great campaign.

"Rob, we have all been impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don't actually disagree on very much, and I have no doubt that you have a key role to play in our party for many years to come.

"I would also like to thank all the other candidates: Priti, Mel, Tom and James, for your kind words and your many insights.

"We have come through this campaign more united and the party needs you now more than ever."

The party faces a significant challenge, with just 121 MPs after an election that saw the party lose seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform.

A YouGov poll published ahead of the result found four in 10 voters had an unfavourable view of Ms Badenoch, including 29% of Conservative voters, while Britons were more likely to think Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would make a better prime minister.

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Rishi Sunak congratulated Kemi Badenoch on becoming Conservative leader, urging the party to unite behind her.

He said: "Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on being elected Conservative Party leader.

"I know that she will be a superb leader of our great party. She will renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour.

"Let's unite behind her."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated her.

He said in a post on X: "Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch on becoming the Conservative Party's new leader.

"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."

Robert Jenrick has also congratulated Kemi Badenoch after he was defeated in the Conservative leadership election.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: "Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch.

"Thank you to everyone who supported my vision for a Conservative Party rooted in the common ground of British politics.

"It's now time for the Conservatives to unite behind Kemi and take the fight to this disastrous Labour Government."

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said Kemi Badenoch had "failed the British public before and will fail them again".

In a statement following her election as Tory leader, he said: "Kemi Badenoch is another in a long line of Tory politicians who say one thing and do another.

"Kemi Badenoch was front and centre of a Government that failed Britain.

"She said nothing while Rishi Sunak hit hard-working people with record immigration, the small boats crisis, the highest taxes for 60 years, record NHS waiting lists and sky-high crime.

"Instead of standing up for Britain whilst in government, she stood up for her own career prospects and chauffeur-driven cars.

"She has failed the British public before and she will fail them again as leader of the Conservative Party."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "I'd like to congratulate Kemi Badenoch on being elected leader of the Conservative Party.

"The election of the first Black leader of a major UK political party is a historic moment for the country.

"Voters across the country believe her party is too divided, out-of-touch and unable to accept Conservative failures over the past years.

"The Liberal Democrats will continue to offer the best opposition to the Government and fight for a fair deal for Britain."