how-a-nigerian-raised-politician-became-uk-conservative-partys-new-face

How a Nigerian-raised politician became UK Conservative Party's new face

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A former trade minister **Kemi Badenoch** takes charge of Britainʼs Conservative Party with a direct-speaking style. Her right-wing approach aims to win back voters from both Labour and Reform UK parties

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

Badenoch at Birmingham conference

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“

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