Conservative MPs in Suffolk have welcomed the election of Kemi Badenoch as the new leader of their party.

The former business secretary was announced as the new Tory leader on Saturday November 2 beating leadership rival Robert Jenrick.

James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, an early backer of Mrs Badenoch, posted on X saying he was "delighted" at the result.

Delighted for @KemiBadenoch - a brilliant result after an excellent campaign. Congratulations Kemi! https://t.co/lYbDmRFFuz

Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, had initially backed former security minister Tom Tugenhat but he was knocked out of the contest earlier in the leadership race. 

Mr Spencer said: “I am delighted that Kemi is our new leader. She is perfectly placed to take the fight to Labour and lead the party in to the next general election.

"She is also someone who represents a seat in East Anglia and has the interests of the people in our region close to her heart.”

MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Patrick Spencer has congratulated Mrs Badenoch on her victory Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has congratulated Kemi Badenoch on her victory (Image: Laurie Noble/ House of Commons) Mrs Badenoch has been the MP for North West Essex for seven years after winning her seat in the 2017 General Election.

She saw 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. 

The new Tory leader represents the towns of Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Stansted Mountfitchet and Great Dunmow, and also makes political history by becoming the first black leader of a political party at Westminster.