In a historic move, Kemi Badenoch was elected as the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party on November 2nd, making her the first Black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom. Badenoch’s victory marks a new chapter for the Conservatives as she takes on the challenge of rebuilding the party after a crushing defeat in July’s general election, which ended their 14-year hold on power.
With her firm stance against “wokeness” and promises to simplify government, Badenoch is ready to take on what she calls “the blob”—a web of bureaucratic and liberal interests that she argues is holding the country back. Her bold ideas and commitment to “first principles” have drawn both praise and criticism, but one thing is clear: Badenoch is determined to bring significant changes to the party and, she hopes, the country.
A Historic Win and a Clear Message
Badenoch’s win over rival Robert Jenrick was close, with just over 12,000 votes separating them. In her victory speech, she acknowledged the party’s mistakes over the past 14 years, telling her supporters, “It’s time to be honest about where we went wrong.” She called for unity within the Conservative Party, which has seen six leaders in less than nine years, and emphasized the need to reconnect with voters who felt left behind.
The new leader also emphasized that the Conservative Party must return to its core values if it wants to regain the trust of the British people. She avoided setting out detailed policies during her campaign, instead promising to get “back to basics” and stay true to traditional conservative principles. This approach may appeal to long-time party supporters, but it also means Badenoch has a tough task ahead in uniting a divided party and attracting a broader range of voters.
Targeting the “New Bureaucratic Class”
One of the most talked-about aspects of Badenoch’s campaign is her focus on tackling what she sees as a rising “new bureaucratic class,” which she believes has an undue influence on British society. In a 22,000-word pamphlet titled Conservatism in Crisis: Rise of the Bureaucratic Class, Badenoch outlined her belief that this group—made up of compliance lawyers, HR staff, university administrators, NGO workers, and environmental lobbyists—has contributed to many of the country’s current issues. She argues that this “new left” is pushing for more regulation and social control, which she says has led to slower growth, higher taxes, and divisions within society.
In Badenoch’s view, the Conservative Party must stand up to this class if it wants to restore individual freedoms and support traditional British values. She contends that these bureaucrats benefit from increased regulation, which often puts pressure on entrepreneurs and small businesses. By challenging the influence of this class, Badenoch hopes to revive what she calls the “old middle class” of entrepreneurs and business owners.
Facing Opposition and Seeking Unity
Badenoch’s election has been met with mixed reactions. Labour Party leader and current Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated her, noting the significance of her being the first Black leader of a major U.K. political party. However, Labour’s Ellie Reeves pointed out that Badenoch was part of the Conservatives’ turbulent years in government, saying the party “has learned nothing” from its recent loss.
Critics on the right, such as Richard Tice of the Reform UK party, have questioned whether Badenoch will truly deliver the change she promises. Tice referred to her as “another Tory politician who says one thing and does another,” and argued that her party has “failed Britain.”
Despite the criticism, Badenoch has received support from prominent Conservative figures. Former Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson praised her leadership qualities, with Johnson highlighting her “courage and clarity.” Badenoch will need this support as she begins her journey to rebuild the Conservative Party and redefine its future.
A Vision for the Conservative Future
With her background in banking, IT, and a strong stance against “progressive identity politics,” Badenoch offers a unique perspective on what the Conservative Party can become. She has voiced skepticism toward multicultural policies, criticized gender-neutral bathrooms, and questioned the impact of strict environmental regulations. Her approach suggests a potential shift for the party to the right, which may appeal to traditional conservatives and right-leaning voters.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on who she appoints to her leadership team. She has hinted that Robert Jenrick, her opponent, may hold a key role in the new leadership team, reflecting her focus on unifying the party. By Wednesday, Badenoch is expected to announce her shadow cabinet, which will set the tone for her leadership as she prepares to face Starmer at her first Prime Minister’s Questions.
The Road Ahead
Badenoch’s historic election and bold promises signal a significant shift in British politics. Her approach to tackling bureaucracy, returning to core Conservative values, and rejecting certain progressive ideals may redefine the Conservative Party. But as she takes on the daunting task of uniting a fractured party and winning back the trust of the public, only time will tell if her strategies will lead the Tories to a comeback or further division.
For Kemi Badenoch, the path forward is clear: acknowledge past mistakes, set a new direction, and make the Conservative Party a force to be reckoned with once again. Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the party’s identity and influence Britain’s political landscape for years to come.