Sussex alumni Kemi Badenoch leads Conservative party

Kemi Badenoch was today announced as the new leader of the party, taking over from former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Ms Badenoch studied a masters in systems engineering at the University of Sussex in 2003.

In July, the university congratulated 12 of their alumni who had been elected during the general election, including Ms Badenoch, who became North West Essex’s MP.

The fourth female Conservative leader beat competitor Robert Jenrick 53,806 votes to 41,388.

Following her win, Ms Badenoch, the first black woman elected to lead a major British political party, said: “The task that stands before us is tough but simple.

“Our first responsibility as His Majesty’s loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government to account.

Kemi Badenoch shakes hands with competitor Robert Jenrick (Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire) “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 time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan our future, reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party and our country the new start they deserve.

“It’s time to get down to business, it’s time to renew.”

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Congratulating her on the win, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”

Predecessor Rishi Sunak said: “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.”

A YouGov poll published before Ms Badenoch’s win found four in 10 voters had a negative view of her, including 29% of people who voted Conservative in July.