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Kemi Badenoch elected new leader of the Conservative Party
Image source, Getty Images
The Conservative Party has announced Kemi Badenoch as its new leader.
Ms Badenoch will replace Rishi Sunak, who resigned after the party lost the 2024 general election in July.
Conservative members had been choosing between Mr Badenoch and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
Ms Badenoch becomes the first black woman to lead a major UK political party.
Who is Kemi Badenoch?
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Ms Badenoch joined the Conservative Party in 2005 and became an MP in the 2016 general election.
She was first appointed to the cabinet as International Trade Secretary by former Prime Minister Liz Truss in 2022.
She kept her role when Rishi Sunak took over as Prime Minister a few weeks later.
She has also served as Minister for Women & Equalities and Business and Trade Secretary.
How was Kemi Badenoch chosen to be the new Conservative Party leader?
Image source, Getty Images
In July, the Conservative Party lost the general election to the Labour Party.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced he would be stepping down as Conservative leader and the search began for his replacement.
Six candidates put their names forward to become leader - and after a series of votes, Conservative Party MPs decided to put Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick through to the final round.
Conservative Party members then held a vote to decide which of the two would become the new leader.
Kemi Badenoch was the winner with 53,806 votes, while Robert Jenrick received 41,388.
What has the reaction been?
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After the announcement was made, Ms Badenoch began her speech paying tribute to her Party.
She said it was "the most enormous honour to be elected" to the role leading the "party that has given me so much."
Ms Badenoch added that she would bring in big changes to the party after this summer's huge election defeat to Labour.
Rishi Sunak said Ms Badenoch will "stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour", adding "let's unite behind her".
Prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, welcomed Kemi Badenoch as the new Conservative leader.
"The first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country," he said. "I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people."
But Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves was less positive about Ms Badenoch, saying the new leader's appointment showed the Conservative party were "incapable of change".