Essex MP Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party.

The North West Essex MP, who represents the towns of Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Stansted Mountfitchet and Great Dunmow, makes political history becoming the first black leader of a political party at Westminster.

The former business secretary was declared the winner on Saturday, November 2, defeating rival Robert Jenrick, the MP for Wolverhampton.

She has seen off two other Essex MPs in the battle to lead the Conservative Party, former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, and former Home Secretary Priti Patel, MP for Witham, 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 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."

The race to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party and leader of the Opposition began when former prime minister Sunak resigned after being defeated in the summer General Election. 

Mrs Badenoch will lead the Conservative Party going forward but faces a significant challenge, with just 121 MPs, after the party lost seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform.