Kemi Badenoch, anti-woke and hardline Brexiteer, the perfect successor to Rishi Sunak

Six Conservative politicians are vying to be the leader of the British Conservative Party. One name in particular stands out: Kemi Badenoch. She is considered the front-runner by British betting houses. UK correspondent Lea van Beekhoven says Badenoch is seen as an “emerging right-wing politician” of the Conservative Party.

Following the Conservative Party's heavy defeat in the recent UK general election, then-Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak announced that he would eventually step down as “Leader of the Conservative Party”. The Conservatives lost their absolute majority in the British Parliament, bringing the Labour Party to power. The party won 411 seats out of a total of 121, leaving the Conservatives with just 121 seats.

According to Van Beekhoven, the biggest contender for the leadership is Shadow Minister (Housing) Badenoch, a 44-year-old British man of Nigerian origin. She announced her intention to enter the Conservative leadership race on Sunday. However, Badenoch is already the favourite for the leadership among British bookmakers.

Sky News describes her as a “ruthless, combative, confrontational, anti-woke crusader”. Van Beekhoven notes that Badenoch is seen as an “emerging right-wing politician”. She has been a fierce Brexiteer. But it is striking that she is very popular within the faction. The politician also has considerable experience, having been trade minister in the previous Conservative government.

Opponents

But in addition to the shadow chancellor, five other Conservatives are in the leadership battle. Others include Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick. “You won’t see most of these names again,” the reporter ventures. Party members must now vote for the candidates. However, that will only happen in a few months, as the candidates have three months to campaign.