Kemi Badenoch wins race to become Conservative leader

Kemi Badenoch has been announced as the new leader of the Conservative Party in the UK.

Ms Badenoch defeated Robert Jenrick in a final ballot of members which concluded on Thursday.

Ms Badenoch received 53,806 votes while Mr Jenrick had 41,388 votes.

Turnout of the 131,680 eligible electors was 72.8%. There were 655 rejected ballots.

The result was announced this morning at a gathering in central London.

Ms Badenoch will replace Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Opposition. She is also the first black woman to lead the party.

A significant challenge will be on Ms Badenoch's hands, turning around a party that suffered historic losses in the British general election.

Immigration, the economy, and how the Conservatives can rebuild trust with the electorate and win back voters they lost at the election have all been discussed at length through the campaign.

The party lost seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK in the July poll returning only 121 MPs to the House of Commons.

In her victory speech, Ms Badenoch told her party that the task before them was "tough but simple".

Read more: Combative Kemi Badenoch to steer Conservatives towards populist right

She said: "Our first responsibility as his majesty's loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government to account.

"Our second is no less important. It is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government, to ensure that by the time of the next election, we have not just a clear set of Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people, but a clear plan for how to implement them, a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works.

"The Prime Minister is discovering all too late the perils of not having such a plan.

"That huge job begins today."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Kemi Badenoch on being named the new Tory leader.

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."

Mr 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."

Additional reporting by PA