Kemi Badenoch Becomes First Ever Black Woman to Lead UK Conservatives

44-year-old Kemi Badenoch has succeeded Rishi Sunak as the leader of UK Conservatives in a decisive leadership contest. Kemi received 57% of votes from Conservative members giving her the lead and making her the first ever black woman to lead the UK Conservatives.

Kemi has previously held the role of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. In her inaugural address, she vowed to bring the UK Conservatives back to its founding principles.

She stressed upon the dedication towards upholding free speech, facilitating free markets, and reducing the size of government. “The task that stands before us is tough, but simple; our first responsibility is to hold this Labour government to account,” she said in her address.

Labour leader Keir Starmer highlighted Kemi’s historic appointment, hailing it as ‘a proud moment for our country.’

Kemi has been vocal about her wish for less emphasis to be given to her race with the focus only being on her policy goals. She said, “I want the colour of our skin to be no more significant than the colour of our hair.”

Kemi has become the fourth ever woman to lead the Conservative Party. She is following in the remarkable footsteps of Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, and Liz Truss.

Kemi is also the first person of colour to lead one of the UK's three major political parties—Conservative, Labour, or Liberal Democrats.