Newsbreak: Yoruba woman makes history as first black woman to lead British Conservative Party

November 02, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A Yoruba woman, Kemi Badenoch, has made history as the first black to lead the British Conservative Party, taking the reins as the Leader of the Opposition.

Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke born on January 2, 1980, in Wimbledon, London, Badenoch’s parents are Nigerian Yoruba from Ondo State.

She spent her early years in Lagos, Nigeria, and later moved to the United States before returning to the UK at 16.

Badenoch’s impressive political career began when she joined the Conservative Party in 2005. She contested the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in the 2010 general election and later became a member of the London Assembly.

In 2017, she won the Saffron Walden seat, which she held until 2024.

Under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, Badenoch held various cabinet positions, including Secretary of State for International Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities.

After the Conservatives’ defeat in the 2024 general election, Badenoch launched her bid to become the party leader and defeated Robert Jenrick in the members’ vote.

As the new Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party leader, Badenoch’s victory marks a significant milestone in British politics.

Her achievements serve as an inspiration to underrepresented communities in politics.