Kemi Badenoch: From Business Secretary to Conservative Leader
London, 11 January 2026 – Kemi Badenoch, the first black leader of a major UK political party, has risen from a background in engineering to become a key figure in British politics, serving as Leader of the Opposition since November 2024.
Early Life and Career
Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch, born on 2 January 1980, grew up in Wimbledon, London. She studied at Birkbeck, University of London, and the University of Sussex, qualifying as an engineer. Before entering politics, Badenoch worked in management consulting and as a vice-president at Coutts & Co. She joined the Conservative Party in 2005 and contested several elections before winning her seat in Parliament.
Political Rise
Badenoch entered Parliament in 2017, representing Saffron Walden, later North West Essex. She supported Brexit in 2016 and served in various roles, including as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families under Boris Johnson. In 2022, she became Secretary of State for International Trade under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, also holding the equalities portfolio. Badenoch ran unsuccessfully for Conservative leadership in 2022 but won the 2024 contest, defeating Robert Jenrick with 56.5% of the membership vote.
Leadership and Policies
As Conservative leader, Badenoch focused on “stronger borders and a stronger economy”. She pledged to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, increase police numbers, and abolish stamp duty on primary homes to boost housing. Her “Blueprint for Britain” included cutting civil service numbers, reforming welfare, and opposing net zero emissions targets. Badenoch reshuffled her shadow cabinet in July 2025 to improve unity, but faced criticism over her leadership style and the party’s poor polling.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Education | Born 2 January 1980 in Wimbledon; degrees from Birkbeck and Sussex; engineer by profession. |
| Parliamentary Career | Elected MP for Saffron Walden in 2017 (re-elected 2019); switched to North West Essex in 2024. |
| Government Roles | Minister for Equalities (2020-2024); International Trade Secretary (2022-2024); Business Secretary (2023-2024). |
| Leadership Election 2024 | Won 56.5% of membership vote; turnout 72.8%; defeated Robert Jenrick. |
| Key Policies | Abolish stamp duty on homes; leave ECHR; recruit 10,000 more police; cut civil service to 2016 levels. |
| Public Perception | 16% of Britons viewed her as doing a good job as leader (July 2025); 10% saw her as prime minister material. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kemi Badenoch?
Kemi Badenoch is a British politician and the current Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition. She is known for her engineering background, support for Brexit, and right-wing policies on immigration and the economy.
What are her main political views?
Badenoch describes herself as on the right wing of the Conservative Party, with influences from Roger Scruton and Thomas Sowell. She advocates for limited government, opposes net zero emissions, and supports strengthening UK-Israel ties.
How did she become Conservative leader?
Badenoch won the 2024 Conservative leadership election after MPs voted her through to the final round against Robert Jenrick. She secured 56.5% of the party membership vote in November 2024.
What challenges has she faced as leader?
Badenoch has dealt with low public approval ratings, party defections to Reform UK, and criticism over her handling of PMQs and policy announcements. Polls showed the Conservatives trailing Reform in 2025.