Kemi Badenoch has been elected the new leader of the UK Conservative Party, succeeding Rishi Sunak, who stepped down following a poor election outcome in July. 

Badenoch, known for her “anti-woke” stance, won 57% of the party members' vote, defeating former immigration minister Robert Jenrick. She acknowledged the challenges ahead, stressing the need to "renew" the party and restore its standards.

Badenoch, who formerly served as equalities minister, faces the task of uniting a divided Conservative Party and countering the rising popularity of Reform UK. She has promised a return to traditional conservative values, with tough rhetoric on issues like gender identity and immigration.

Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Badenoch is a self-described "straight-talker," a trait that has sparked controversy. Her remarks on small business maternity pay and criticisms of civil servants drew mixed responses during her campaign. 

As the new opposition leader, she will take on Labour’s Keir Starmer in weekly debates, representing a reduced Conservative presence in the House of Commons.