Read Kemi Badenoch’s speech in full as new Tory leader: ‘The time has come to tell the truth’
She beat Robert Jenrick in a ballot of Conservative Party members
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kemi Badenoch has won the race to become the new leader of the Conservative Party, beating Robert Jenrick in the ballot of party members on Saturday.
She will take over from Rishi Sunak after winning 53,806 votes, while her rival received 41,388 votes.
Here is her first speech as party leader in full, delivered immediately after the result:
“I want to start by thanking Richard Fuller for his work as our party chairman since July, and also Bob Blackman as returning officer for this contest. You and your teams have done us all a great service.
“I also want to pay tribute to everyone in the Conservative Party who has been involved in this very long campaign. It has been an experience none of us candidates will ever forget. Thank you for hosting us in your communities, in your village halls, in your pubs and in your homes.
“It is the most enormous honour to be elected in this role, to lead the party that I love, the party that has given me so much. I hope that I will be able to repay that debt.
“There are so many people to thank; firstly, my family, especially my husband Hamish - I couldn’t have done this without you, thank you for being with me every step of the way.
“I also want to thank Rishi. No-one could have worked harder in such difficult times. Rishi, thank you for everything you did, we all wish you and your wonderful family the very best for the future.
“I’d also like to pay a special tribute to Robert Jenrick, who has fought a great campaign.
“Rob, we have all been impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don’t actually disagree on very much, and I have no doubt that you have a key role to play in our party for many years to come.
“I would also like to thank all the other candidates, Priti, Mel, Tom and James, for your kind words and your many insights.
“We have come through this campaign more united and the party needs you now more than ever.
“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.
“It will seek to involve all of our colleagues in Parliament, in the Scottish Parliament, the Senedd, our friends in Northern Ireland, as well as councillors and party members.
“But this is not just about the Conservative Party, it is about the people we want to bring back to the Conservative Party, it is about the people we need to bring into the Conservative Party.
“It is about what the Conservative Party needs to be over the next five, 10 and 20 years.
“Our party is critical to the success of our country, but to be heard we have to be honest - honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.
“The time has come to tell the truth. The time has come to tell the truth, to stand up for our principles, to plan for our future, to reset our politics and our thinking, and to give our party, and our country, the new start that they deserve.
“It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments