Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Facing Political Headwinds
A Historic Leadership and Current Challenges
Kemi Badenoch made history by becoming the first Black person to lead the Conservative Party after winning the 2024 party election with approximately 56% of votes in the final round against Robert Jenrick.
Born on January 2, 1980, Badenoch previously served as Trade Secretary under Liz Truss and continued in that role under Rishi Sunak, while also serving as Minister for Women and Equalities. In 2023, she became Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
Policy Positions and Political Strategy
In a significant policy shift, Badenoch has abandoned the Conservatives’ commitment to reach net zero by 2050, declaring the target ‘impossible’ and arguing that pursuing it threatens UK’s energy security and increases bills. This break from longstanding political consensus has sparked backlash from environmental groups.
The Conservative leader has adopted what some describe as a ‘decadent strategy,’ focusing first on reforming internal party structures and setting up policy commissions. This approach is detailed in a strategy document called “The 3+5 Plan,” which outlines three phases: 2025 for “rebuilding trust,” 2026 for “demonstrating credibility,” and 2027 for “getting ready.”
Personal Background and Leadership Style
Recently, Badenoch has forcefully responded to critics questioning her rise to leadership, rejecting suggestions that she secured the role due to diversity policies. In an interview with The Times, she noted, “There’s a certain cadre of people who clearly can’t cope with the fact that I won this and I’m doing it,” adding that the level of personal attacks has been “hysterical.” She even suggested there might be a “Kemi derangement syndrome.”
Electoral Challenges
Badenoch’s leadership faced an early test in the 2025 local elections in England, where the Conservatives suffered significant losses, losing more than 650 seats and falling to third place behind Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats. While her team showed optimism after strong Commons performances before recess, recent parliamentary exchanges have been challenging. At a recent PMQs, she struggled to effectively challenge Angela Rayner, leading Lord Frost, a senior Tory, to share criticism of her performance.
