From Lagos to Westminster: Synopsis of Kemi Badenoch’s inspiring story

Asuku S. Audu

Kemi Badenoch, a British politician of Nigerian descent, has made history by becoming the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and potentially, the leader of the Conservative Party in the UK. Born on January 2, 1980, in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian Yoruba parents, Badenoch spent her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, and later moved to the UK at age 16.

Badenoch’s educational background includes studying Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex, where she earned a Master of Engineering degree in 2003. She also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Birkbeck, University of London, which she completed part-time while working.

Badenoch joined the Conservative Party in 2005 and contested the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in the 2010 general election. She later became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Saffron Walden in 2017 and has held various positions, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and Minister for Women and Equalities.

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 candidacy marked a significant milestone for diversity in UK politics.

As of 2024, Badenoch serves as the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, making her a potential candidate for British Prime Minister. Her achievements demonstrate Nigeria’s shining impact on global politics.