'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — Former Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become the next leader of the UK Conservative Party, after a crucial vote by Conservative lawmakers on Wednesday. Badenoch received 42 out of 120 votes, narrowly edging out former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, who garnered 41 votes. The result sets up a final showdown between the two right-wing candidates to determine who will lead the embattled party.
In a surprising turn of events, former Foreign Minister James Cleverly, who had been leading in previous rounds, was eliminated from the contest after securing just 37 votes. His exit reshapes the dynamics of the race, which has been characterized by intense competition among hardline candidates vying to unite the divided party.
Kemi Badenoch’s rise to the top of the Conservative leadership race reflects her growing influence within the party, particularly among younger and more right-wing lawmakers. Throughout the campaign, she has presented herself as a bold and outspoken alternative, promising to revitalize the Conservative Party and challenge what she describes as a "broken" government system. Her appeal extends beyond the party’s traditional base, as she has struck a chord with those seeking fresh leadership and reform.
Badenoch's policy positions, including her criticism of so-called "woke" politics and her commitment to conservative values, have earned her a reputation as a fiery, unapologetic figure. She has also enjoyed significant grassroots support, with Conservative Home, a popular website among party members, ranking her as the most favored contender.
“I am something different,” Badenoch has declared throughout her campaign, positioning herself as the candidate who will move the party forward and offer a strong alternative to Labour, particularly as the Conservatives rebuild after their crushing defeat in the July national election.
Robert Jenrick, long considered the contest’s frontrunner, now finds himself in a tight race against Badenoch. The former Immigration Minister, known for his hardline stance on immigration and his desire to overhaul the UK's relationship with European human rights law, has positioned himself as the champion of the party’s traditional conservative values. He has called for deep cuts to immigration and policies aimed at reducing the influence of European institutions on British law.
Jenrick, who has consistently warned of the dangers of unchecked immigration and liberal policies, has vowed to restore the party to its roots, advocating for a tougher stance on national sovereignty and border control. His challenge now will be to win over the Conservative Party members across the country, who will ultimately decide the next leader.
Both Badenoch and Jenrick face the daunting task of uniting a fractured party that has been plagued by internal strife, particularly in the years following Brexit. The Conservative Party has seen its popularity diminish as it grapples with scandal, leadership crises, and a deepening divide between its factions. Both candidates have pledged to heal the party’s wounds and return it to its conservative core, in hopes of positioning the Conservatives as a strong alternative to Labour ahead of the next general election, set to take place by mid-2029.
Following Labour’s landslide victory in July’s national election, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Conservative Party has faced an uphill battle to regain its footing. However, Labour’s early months in power have been rocky, with Starmer facing criticism over welfare cuts and controversies surrounding donations, giving the Conservatives hope for a quicker-than-expected return to power.
With the leadership race now down to Badenoch and Jenrick, the Conservative Party membership will cast their votes, with the new leader expected to be announced on November 2. The victor will be tasked with reviving the party’s fortunes and charting a new course as they prepare for the next national election.
As the contest heats up, all eyes will be on the final two candidates, who offer distinct visions for the future of the Conservative Party. Badenoch’s promise of reform and change contrasts with Jenrick’s call for a return to traditional conservatism, setting the stage for a defining moment in the party’s history.