Kemi Badenoch Joins Conservative Leadership Race

Kemi Badenoch has announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party, pledging to 'renew' the party by returning to foundational principles and focusing on sovereignty and capitalism. Badenoch, a former business minister and bookmakers' favorite, joins five other candidates in the race to replace Rishi Sunak, who resigned following the party's worst-ever election performance. She criticizes the party's recent direction, arguing that it has strayed too far left and failed to uphold conservative values. Badenoch emphasizes controlling immigration and reforming public services as key policy focuses. Meanwhile, Suella Braverman, despite securing enough MP support, decided not to run, citing a lack of consensus within the party and frustrations over policy disagreements.