Indian diaspora groups in the UK congratulated the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, who succeeds Rishi Sunak as the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons from this week.
While Sunak goes down in history as the first British Indian Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition of the UK, Badenoch’s election makes her the first person of Nigerian heritage to take her place as Tory chief.
The Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK said: “Many congratulations Kemi Badenoch on being elected as the Leader of the Conservatives. As the new Leader of the Opposition, we are sure you will effectively scrutinise the actions of the Cabinet and offer alternative policies.
“We are affirmative that your earlier experience as the international trade secretary will help this government to expedite the UK-India FTA. We also thank Rishi Sunak for your exemplary leadership and service to the country.”
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Badenoch, who served as the secretary of state for business and trade in the Sunak-led Tory government, oversaw free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with India which remain suspended in the fourteenth round due to an election year.
Insight UK said: We would like to congratulate Kemi Badenoch on being elected as the leader of the Conservative Party.
“As proud members of the British Hindu and Indian community, we look forward to working together for the betterment of our country, championing unity, prosperity, and shared values. Best wishes for a bright and impactful future.”
The Conservative Party leadership election process concluded over the weekend when Bob Blackman, Chair of the 1922 Committee of backbench MPs announced the result of the online and postal ballot to reveal Badenoch had beaten her former Cabinet colleague Robert Jenrick.
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Badenoch said: “I want to thank Rishi, no one could have worked harder in such difficult times. Rishi, thank you for everything you did. We all wish you and your wonderful family the very best for the future.
“It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”
Last week, Sunak reflected upon how Diwali marked important milestones in his career at his final Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament: “I became leader of my party during Diwali and I now stand down during that same festival.”