Badenoch, who was raised in Nigeria, makes history as the first black woman to head a major political party in the United Kingdom, stepping into the role at a time when the Conservative Party is recovering from its most significant electoral defeat.
She succeeds Rishi Sunak as the leader of the opposition, having secured 53,806 votes compared to Jenrick's 41,388, with the results announced by the party on Saturday morning.
Throughout her campaign, Badenoch committed to restoring the Conservatives to their "first principles" and plans to initiate a series of reviews in the upcoming months to develop a new policy framework.
As the sixth Conservative leader in under eight and a half years, the North West Essex MP faces the daunting task of unifying a divided party.
In her victory address, she expressed her immense pride in being elected to this position, stating it is a profound "honour to lead the party that I love – the party that has given me so much."
“I hope that I will be able to repay that debt,” Ms Badenoch added. She also thanked her predecessor Rishi Sunak, saying: “No one worked harder in such difficult times” before wishing him the “very best for the future”.
Ms Badenoch also recognised Mr Janerick, noting: “We have all been impressed by your energy and your determination.”
The new Conservative leader added that the task before the Tories is “tough, but simple.”
“Our first responsibility… is to hold this Labour government to account,” she said. “Our second is no less important, to prepare over the course of the next few years for government.”
She said the party needs clear policies and a clear plan for implementing them. “That huge job begins today,” Ms Badenoch told party members.
Meanwhile, Ellie Reeves, chairperson of the Labour Party, has said Ms Badenoch’s election as Tory leader shows the party is “incapable of change.”
Shortly after Ms. Badenoch was named Rishi Sunak’s successor, Ms. Reeves extended her congratulations for the new role.
However, she remarked that “unfortunately, one thing is evident – the Conservatives have not learned from their significant rejection by the British public in July,” as reported by the UK Guardian.
The Labour chair continued: “This summer has been marked by further Conservative turmoil and division. They had the opportunity over the past four months to listen to the public, acknowledge their failures, and reform their party.”
“Instead, Kemi Badenoch’s ascension to leadership indicates their inability to change. In contrast, the Labour government is focused on rebuilding the foundations of our economy and addressing the issues left by the Conservatives,” Ms. Reeves stated.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also congratulated Ms. Badenoch, saying: “I want to congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election as leader of the Conservative party. The election of the first Black leader of a major UK political party is a significant milestone for the nation,” according to the Guardian newspaper.
“Voters across the country believe her party is too divided, out-of-touch and unable to accept Conservative failures over the past years.”
The Liberal Democrats will persist in providing robust opposition to the government and advocate for equitable solutions for Britain, he stated.
Conversely, Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, expressed skepticism regarding Ms. Badenoch’s election, labeling her as yet another Tory politician who fails to align words with actions.
“Kemi Badenoch was a prominent figure in a government that let Britain down. She remained silent while Rishi Sunak imposed unprecedented immigration levels, faced the small boats crisis, oversaw the highest taxes in six decades, and allowed NHS waiting lists and crime rates to soar,” Mr. Tice remarked.
“Rather than advocating for the nation during her time in government, she prioritized her own ambitions and luxury. She has previously let down the British public and will likely do so again as the leader of the Conservative party.”
Throughout her campaign, Ms. Badenoch pledged to restore the Conservatives to their “first principles” and initiate a series of reviews in the upcoming months to develop a new policy framework.
She is the sixth leader of the Conservative party in under eight and a half years and is tasked with the challenge of unifying a divided party, as reported by the BBC.
In her victory address, Ms. Badenoch urged party members that it was “time to tell the truth” and to “get down to business.”