KEMI Badenoch has been elected leader of the Conservative Party.

The former business secretary was declared the winner at an event in central London on Saturday, defeating rival Robert Jenrick by 53,806 votes to 41,388.

The North West Essex MP will replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Opposition and seek to chart a path back to power for the Tories after their disastrous election defeat in July.

They face a significant challenge, with just 121 MPs after an election that saw the party lose seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform.

A YouGov poll published ahead of the result found four in 10 voters had an unfavourable view of Ms Badenoch, including 29 per cent of Conservative voters, while Britons were more likely to think Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would make a better prime minister.

New leader: Task ahead of us is 'tough but simple'

Ms Badenoch told her party after they elected her leader of the Conservatives: “The task that stands before us is tough but simple.

“Our first responsibility as His Majesty’s loyal Opposition is to hold this Labour Government to account.

“Our second is no less important. It is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government, to ensure that by the time of the next election, we have not just a clear set of Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people, but a clear plan for how to implement them, a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works.

“The Prime Minister is discovering all too late the perils of not having such a plan.

“That huge job begins today.”

Prime minister: 'The first black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Kemi Badenoch on being named the new Tory leader.

He said in a post on X: “Congratulations, Kemi Badenoch on becoming the Conservative Party’s new leader.

“The first black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country.

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

Sunak: 'Let's unite behind her'

Rishi Sunak congratulated Kemi Badenoch on becoming Conservative leader, urging the party to unite behind her.

He said: “Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on being elected Conservative Party 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.

“Let’s unite behind her.”