Tory leadership live: Kemi Badenoch admits Conservatives ‘let standards slip’ but vows to rebuild party

Newly elected Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has admitted the Conservatives “let standards slip” but vowed to rebuild the party.

She said: “This is not just about the Conservative Party, it is about the people we want to bring back to the Conservative Party, it is about the people we need to bring into the Conservative Party.

“It is about what the Conservative Party needs to be over the next five, 10 and 20 years.

“Our party is critical to the success of our country, but to be heard we have to be honest – honest about the fact that we made mistakes, honest about the fact that we let standards slip.

“The time has come to tell the truth. 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.”

Nigel Farage has told The Independent that he is “not worried” about Kemi Badenoch as leader of the Conservative Party, reports political editor David Maddox.

The Reform UK leader has laid out plans to replace the Tories as the main party on the right of British politics.

He messaged to say that he now believes there is a clear dividing line between the Tories and Reform with the issue of leaving the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) with Robert Jenrick, who supported that policy, rejected.

“The Tories have voted to stay in the ECHR,” said Mr Farage.

Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins has said the Conservative Party now has to “hold this dreadful socialist government to account”.

After the election of Kemi Badenoch, the former cabinet minister said she had voted for Robert Jenrick and praised him for “really holding himself out to be tested by everyone”.

She told Sky News: “Of course I feel very disappointed for him and his family and his team” but “we as a Conservative family really want this to work”.

“We’ve got to hold this dreadful socialist government to account, and we know that we can do this.

“We’ve seen this week the impact of the Budget on people’s lives, whether they live in rural communities, whether they employ people, or indeed (are) employees.”

Asked if she would “hold that portfolio” of health in Ms Badenoch’s shadow cabinet, Ms Atkins said: “I’m in the hands of others now, but what I do know is my personal commitment to both the health portfolio, but also the wonderful constituency that re-elected me, these are the things that I will be focussing on.”

A campaign group has called for Labour to act on Europe while the Tories are “distracted” with rebuilding following Kemi Badenoch’s election as leader.

Responding to the news Ms Badenoch has won the Conservative leadership contest and will be the next party leader, Naomi Smith, Chief Executive at Best for Britain said,: “Badenoch has a huge job on her hands, taking over a party beset by internal division and declining public trust, and which has been without direction for months now.

“While the Conservative Party is distracted with its rebuild, the Government must take advantage and slash the Brexit red tape they inherited to boost trade with Europe and get the economy growing again.”

Andrew RT Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said he looked forward to working with Kemi Badenoch to “hold Labour to account”.

He said: “On behalf of the Welsh Conservatives, I’d like to congratulate Kemi on becoming leader of our party and wish her well in leading HM Opposition.

“Both candidates brought forward a positive vision for our country and now that the contest is finished, it’s time to come together and get behind Kemi in holding this dreadful Labour Government to account who have already caused so much damage to Wales in their short time in power in London.

“For Wales, and for the United Kingdom, it’s vital that we put an end to Labour’s rule at both ends of the M4, and I look forward to working with Kemi to make that happen.”

Kemi Badenoch told her party after they elected her leader of the Conservatives that their task is “tough but simple”.

She said: “The task that stands before us is tough but simple.

“Our first responsibility as His Majesty’s loyal Opposition is to hold this Labour Government to account.

“Our second is no less important. It is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government, to ensure that by the time of the next election, we have not just a clear set of Conservative pledges that appeal to the British people, but a clear plan for how to implement them, a clear plan to change this country by changing the way that government works.

“The Prime Minister is discovering all too late the perils of not having such a plan.

“That huge job begins today.”

Kemi Badenoch paid tribute to her leadership rival Robert Jenrick after her election and said the party’s task was “tough but simple”.

She said: “I’d also like to pay a special tribute to Robert Jenrick, who has fought a great campaign.

“Rob, we have all been impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don’t actually disagree on very much, and I have no doubt that you have a key role to play in our party for many years to come.

“I would also like to thank all the other candidates: Priti, Mel, Tom and James, for your kind words and your many insights.

“We have come through this campaign more united and the party needs you now more than ever.”

Rishi Sunak congratulated Kemi Badenoch on becoming Conservative leader, urging the party to unite behind her.

He said: “Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on being elected Conservative Party leader.

“I know that she will be a superb leader of our great party. She will renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour.

“Let’s unite behind her.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has 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.”