Skip to main content

British-Nigerian, Kemi Badenoch becomes new leader of UK Conservative Party

Kemi Badenoch gives a speech after becoming the new leader of the Conservative party after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest on November 2, 2024 in London, England. [Getty Images]

Badenoch has repeatedly explored her Nigerian experience to boost her chances in the contest by narrating tales of her unpleasant experiences growing up in Africa's most populous nation.

In a historic victory, Kemi Badenoch, a British-Nigerian former Business Secretary, has been elected as the new leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.

Badenoch’s win makes her the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom.

The 44-year-old clinched the leadership after defeating Robert Jenrick in the final vote, securing 53,806 votes to his 41,388.

Her appointment also positions her as Leader of the Opposition, succeeding Rishi Sunak, who stepped down earlier this year.

The Conservative Party’s announcement of her win on Saturday morning marks a significant shift, with Badenoch pledging to reshape party policies.

“This is a time for us to return to our first principles,” she stated during her campaign.

Kemi Badenoch gives a speech after becoming the new leader of the Conservative party after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest on November 2, 2024 in London, England. [Getty Images]
Kemi Badenoch gives a speech after becoming the new leader of the Conservative party after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest on November 2, 2024 in London, England. [Getty Images]

She emphasised her intention to spearhead a range of policy reviews in the coming months aimed at revitalising Conservative ideals.

Badenoch, raised in Nigeria before moving to the UK, has consistently highlighted her diverse background as a source of strength and resilience.

Her ascent in British politics has been closely watched, with supporters praising her commitment to conservative values and her fresh vision for the party’s future.

Party insiders are hopeful that Badenoch’s leadership will galvanise support ahead of the next general election.

Badenoch's disdain for Nigeria and backlashes

Fani-Kayode calls UK PM hopeful, Badenoch 'little girl' for attacking Nigerians
Fani-Kayode calls UK PM hopeful, Badenoch 'little girl' for attacking Nigerians

Meanwhile, she has been criticised recently by Nigeria's former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.

The ex-minister branded Badenoch a "little girl" for constantly deriding Nigerians in her attempt to assume the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Though born in Wimbledon, Badenoch spent substantial years of childhood in Nigeria before returning to her country of birth as a teenager.

Badenoch has repeatedly explored her Nigerian experience to boost her chances in the contest by narrating tales of her unpleasant experiences growing up in Africa's most populous nation.

In an interview with MailOnline, the 44-year-old politician criticised Nigeria, saying she doesn't want Britain to become like the place she ran away from.

"I will always be grateful for being lucky enough to be born here.

"It was very much fate, and I would do anything for this country – I would go to war for this country, I would fight for this country. I would die for this country.

"This is my country. I love it the way it is. I don't want it to become like the place I ran away from. I want it to get better and better, not just for me, but for the next generation," she said.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON (CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission)
Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON (CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission)

Similarly, in 2022, the Chairman of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, rebuked Badenoch over her comments on Nigerian politicians.

During her campaign for the Prime Ministerial seat, Badenoch said, "I grew up in Nigeria and I saw firsthand when politicians are in it for themselves. When they use private money as their piggybanks, when they promise the earth and they pollute not just the earth, but the whole political atmosphere with their failure to serve others."

"I came to Britain, determined to make my way in a country where hard work and honesty can take you anywhere," she added.

ridoola.blogspot.com.ng
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

EFCC insists on presentation of Grace Tiaga's death certificate in P&ID case

Tiaga's counsel communicated the unavailability of the death certificate, requesting additional time. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is steadfast in its demand for the death certificate of the late Grace Tiaga, a former director of legal services at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to be submitted in court. Tiaga faced charges brought by the EFCC, alleging her involvement in receiving payments from Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) to manipulate the 20-year gas supply and processing agreement (GSPA) against Nigeria. The EFCC claims that these illicit payments were made through her daughter and persisted even after her retirement. The accusations extend to Tiaga's purported failure to adhere to due process while providing legal counsel on the GSPA. Initially facing eight counts of fraud, she was remanded to Suleja prison in 2019, later granted bail, and the charges were expanded to 13 counts. As the trial progressed, the prosecution p
Post a Comment
Read more

List of America's one-term presidents & why they were not re-elected

U.S. President Joe Biden becomes the most recent entrant in a list of president who served for only one term. U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking re-election for a second term in the November 5, 2024 elections. Biden, in a statement said that he would be focused on completing his remaining term, endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris as his most preferred nominee for the Democratic Party to take on former President Donald Trump. Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democrats' candidate after withdrawing from race [X:@JoeBiden] Biden now joins a list of former U.S. Presidents that only served for one term. John Adams (1797-1801) The second president of the United States, John Adams was a Founding Father who faced significant challenges during his presidency, including conflicts with political adversaries and foreign nations. His support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, perceived as a violation of civil liberties, contributed to his unpopulari
Post a Comment
Read more

EndSARS, Aba women riot & 3 historical protests that shook Nigeria

These protests underscore the resilience and activism of the Nigerian people in their pursuit of justice, equity, and better governance. Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu's administration, lawmakers and other government officials have appealed to Nigerian youths to shun the protest and seek dialogue for resolution. It is believed that the federal government has already stepped up advocacy and appeals to avoid what happened in Kenya a few weeks ago. The planned demonstration slated for Thursday, August 1, further stretches Nigeria's rich history of civil protests driven by various socio-political and economic issues. These protests have significantly influenced the country's trajectory. Here are five historical protests that have left an indelible mark on Nigeria: 1. Aba Women's Riot (1929) Aba Women's Riot (1929) The Aba Women's Riot, also known as the Women's War, was a major anti-colonial revolt by women in sou
Post a Comment
Read more