In a ground-breaking shift Kemi Badenoch — the first Black woman to lead a major UK political party brings her no-nonsense approach to the Conservative leadership. After their big loss in elections last summer under Rishi Sunak‚ the party looks for a fresh start
Her path to leadership shows an interesting mix: born in London raised in Nigeria till her teens and elected to Parliament about 7 years ago. As a trade minister since 2 years back she got notice for her direct style (which some say is too direct)
The new leader faces a two-sided challenge: getting back voters who went to Nigel Farageʼs Reform UK party and keeping moderate conservatives happy. Its not going to be simple but she has a plan called “Renewal 2030“ thats focused on long-term party fix-up
Some people say I like a fight. I cant imagine where they got that idea; but its not true I do not like to fight but Iʼm not afraid to fight
Her right-wing ideas come from real-life experience. Growing up where “fear was everywhere“ made her value:
- Free speech
- Free enterprise
- Free markets
Recent dust-ups show her style — she got in a public fight with actor David Tennant about womenʼs rights‚ made waves with comments about civil servants (which her team said was just a joke)‚ and sparked talk with her views on maternity pay. But she sees her direct-speaking as a plus: “A lot of people arent used to a politician who says it like it is“