Tories must be honest about their errors, says Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch has called on the Tories to "be honest" about their mistakes in government, after winning the Tory leadership vote and becoming the first Black leader of a Westminster party.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

After beating Robert Jenrick in the contest to succeed Rishi Sunak, the former business secretary said the Conservatives need to unite behind her after years of infighting. And, in a frank assessment of the party’s post-Brexit record, Ms Badenoch said: “We have to be honest – honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.”

After a four-month leadership contest, Ms Badenoch won the backing of 53,806 Tory members, with Mr Jenrick taking just 41,388 votes.

Addressing current and former MPs, party members and the press at a hotel in Westminster, Ms Badenoch said: “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.”

Labour congratulated Ms Badenoch, with Sir Keir Starmer saying: “The first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country.” He added: “I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people.”