Kemi Badenoch is a British politician who has made history as the first black woman to lead a major UK party. Born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke on January 2, 1980, in Wimbledon, London, she is one of three children to Nigerian Yoruba parents. Her father, Femi Adegoke, was a GP, and her mother, Feyi Adegoke, was a professor of physiology.
Early Life and Education
Badenoch spent her childhood living in Lagos, Nigeria, and in the United States, where her mother lectured. She returned to the UK at 16 due to Nigeria’s deteriorating political and economic situation. Despite being born in the UK, Badenoch considers herself a “first-generation immigrant.” She achieved A-Levels from Phoenix College and later studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex, completing her Master of Engineering degree in 2003.
Career
Badenoch initially worked in the IT sector as a software engineer at Logica (now CGI Group) from 2003 to 2006. She then pursued a career in consultancy and financial services, working as an associate director at Coutts from 2006 to 2013. In 2015, she became a digital director for The Spectator.
Political Career
Badenoch joined the Conservative Party in 2005. She contested the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in the 2010 general election and later became a Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden in 2017. Badenoch supported Brexit in the 2016 UK EU membership referendum.
As a member of the Conservative Party, Badenoch has held various positions, including:
- Secretary of State for Business and Trade (2023-2024)
- President of the Board of Trade (2022-2024)
- Minister for Women and Equalities (2022-2024)
- Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (2024-present)
In 2022, Badenoch launched a bid to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader, advocating for “strong but limited government.” Although she was eliminated in the fourth round of voting, her campaign marked a significant milestone in UK politics.