Kemi Badenoch faces juggling North West Essex constituency work with new role as leader of the Conservative party as she bids to win back local voters
Having won the contest to become the new leader of the Conservative party, Kemi Badenoch declared it was “time to get down to business” – but her North West Essex constituents hope it will not be at their expense.
She was declared the winner on Saturday, beating Robert Jenrick by 53,806 votes to 41,388 to become the first black woman elected to lead a major British political party.
In the “tightest Conservative leadership race since the modern system was introduced, it was Kemi Badenoch who did enough” declared North West Essex Tories on their website.
“This was a contest between policies and principles, and more Conservative members eventually agreed it is better for the party to reconsider and re-establish what it stands for rather than rushing headlong to announce a raft of detailed policy pledges.”
So what do constituents think now that the fight is over and Mrs Badenoch, 44, a married mother of three, takes on her biggest challenge yet?
Many cited it as a “great achievement” but warned she faced a “daunting task”, while others feared they would see even less of their “absentee” MP, who took office in 2017, and declared it a good day for Labour.
In July’s General Election she narrowly held on to her seat after seeing her majority slashed by almost 25,000 to just 2,610.
On Tuesday, Mrs Badenoch – who was Business and Trade Secretary and also women’s and equalities minister under former leader Rishi Sunak – announced her new shadow cabinet, demanding a “team effort” to win back voters’ trust.
Cllr John Moran, Conservative group leader on Uttlesford District Council, said the constituency could benefit from being in the spotlight thanks to her new position.
“I’m very pleased that the rest of the Conservative party membership have identified the leadership qualities Kemi has displayed since early in her time as our MP.
“I think the local party will enjoy a revival following her appointment to this high-profile role and that, with her contribution and the hard work of local Conservative activists, the vote for us within the constituency area will return to former high levels at national and local elections.
“It will put the spotlight more onto North West Essex and hopefully attract more investment and infrastructure improvements from both the commercial and governmental sectors.”
Stansted Conservative county and district councillor Ray Gooding said: “I have known and worked closely with her since she became our MP and am assured that her intellect and work ethic are just what is needed to unite the party in opposition to the failings of this Labour Government.
“Whilst the challenges of being Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition will be significant, Kemi is intent on ensuring her constituents in North West Essex continue to enjoy her full support.”
Uttlesford Liberal Democrats leader Geoffrey Sell said: “We would like to congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election. She has made history on being the first black person to lead a major national party. It is important for our democracy that there is an effective opposition.
“Whether she will be able to restore her party’s popularity, only time will tell. She will have a difficult balancing act to perform. Does she tack towards former Conservative voters who supported Reform or those who supported the Liberal Democrats?
“There is legitimate concern that NW Essex may see even less of her. Even before her election she was seen by some as an absentee MP. Her confrontational approach towards politics has got her to the top of her party. Will it appeal to Middle England? Liberal Democrats both locally and nationally will hold her to account.”
