History was made yesterday as the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party announced the election of Kemi Badenoch as its leader, defeating her closest rival, Robert Jenrick.

Badenoch, who secured 53,806 votes against Jenrick’s 41,388, succeeds Rishi Sunak as the leader of the opposition party. Reflecting on her win and her vision for the Conservatives, Badenoch pledged to hold the Labour government accountable while preparing the party for future electoral challenges.

As the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party, Badenoch also marks a significant milestone as she assumes the helm of a Conservative Party struggling in the aftermath of a historic election loss. Born in Wimbledon, London, on 2 January 1980 to Nigerian parents, Badenoch spent her early years in Lagos and the United States before returning to the UK at 16.

Notably, she follows in the footsteps of former female Conservative leaders Margaret Thatcher, Theresa May, and Liz Truss. During her campaign, Badenoch promised a return to “first principles” and announced plans to undertake a series of policy reviews aimed at reinvigorating the party’s platform.

As the sixth Conservative leader in less than nine years, Badenoch faces the daunting task of unifying a divided party. “The time has come to tell the truth,” she declared to her supporters after the final vote count. “It is time to get down to business and renew.”

The outspoken right-wing leader now succeeds Sunak, who became the first non-white British Prime Minister in 2022. Smiling before a group of party members, Badenoch described her victory as “the greatest honour,” adding, “I hope that I will be able to repay that debt.”

With Labour’s landslide election victory, the Conservatives face at least four years in opposition. Badenoch has been serving as shadow Business and Trade Secretary since the party’s defeat in July and Sunak’s subsequent resignation, which triggered the leadership contest. Her campaign, titled Renewal 2030, is focused on reclaiming power for the Tories at the next election.

Badenoch’s direct approach has sometimes drawn criticism, with opponents highlighting her comments on issues like maternity pay, gender equality, and net-zero targets. Nonetheless, she remains popular within the Conservative base, having previously campaigned for leadership in 2022. While her shadow cabinet appointments remain unknown, she has hinted that former leadership rivals will play roles in her team.

However, James Cleverly indicated before the announcement that he would return to the backbenches. Badenoch has committed to revitalising the party with a more conservative ethos, attributing her problem-solving approach to her background as a computer engineer. She has openly addressed issues like transgender rights and criticised “woke” ideology and divisive identity politics.

Despite the challenges, Badenoch’s no-nonsense stance has garnered a dedicated following. Known for her frank views on identity politics and her scepticism towards state intervention, she appeals to Conservatives seeking a decisive rightward shift. Her interactions with the media and public officials have sometimes been contentious, but this has only strengthened her support among party members wary of media influence.

Speaking on the responsibilities of her new role, Badenoch stated, “Our first duty as His Majesty’s loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government accountable, and our second is no less important: preparing for the next few years in government.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer congratulated Badenoch, stating, “The election of the first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for the country. I look forward to working with you in the British people’s interest.”

Labour Party chair Ellie Reeves took a more critical tone, stating, “This has been a summer of Conservative division and turmoil. Kemi Badenoch’s election suggests that the party remains out of touch, even as Labour tackles the foundational issues left by the Tories.”

The former equalities minister now faces the challenging task of reuniting a weakened party recently ousted from power after 14 years in government. As opposition leader, Badenoch will square off against Starmer in Parliament’s weekly Prime Minister’s Questions. Leading a smaller cohort of Tory MPs, she must work to regain public confidence and counteract the appeal of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, which has drawn support from disaffected Conservatives.

Badenoch, who identifies as a straight-talker, has at times stirred controversy. Her remarks on immigration and other issues have sparked debates; for instance, she suggested that statutory maternity pay places excessive burdens on small businesses and once joked that 10% of Britain’s civil servants “ought to be in prison.”