Kemi Badenoch, a British citizen that was born and raised in Nigeria, has emerged the new leader of UK’s Conservative Party after defeating her main challenger by over 10,000 votes.

Ms Badenoch scored 53,806 votes while her closest rival Robert Jenrick got 41,388 votes in the final round of voting announced on Saturday. With her victory, she has become the first African woman to lead a major political party in the UK.

The British-Nigerian will succeed former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak whose leadership landed the Conservatives their worst defeat in July, paving the way for Labour Party’s Keir Starmer.

Until July, the Conservatives had been leading the UK for the last 14 years.

Already, Ms Badenoch said her first responsibility as the new Conservative leader  “is to hold this Labour government to account” and her “second is no less important – it is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Ms Badenoch for being “the first Black leader of a Westminster party” adding that it is “a proud moment for our country”.

“I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people,” the British leader said.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Ms Badenoch and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the party aright.

According to Mr Johnson, she “brings a much needed zing and zap to the Conservative Party. Kemi has exactly the right courage and clarity to expose Starmer’s failings.” 

Mr Sunak also had glowing words for the new leader “I know that she will be a superb leader of our great party.

“She will renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour.”