Next Conservative Leader Odds: Kemi Badenoch Becomes the Bookies’ Favourite

Last updated: June 27, 2024 by Leon Marshal

With Labour having won the UK’s general election, interest surges around who will replace Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party. Many Tory supporters, in the wake of Keir Starmer’s Labour landslide, are calling for a radical reset of the party, which could pave the way for Kemi Badenoch. This article reveals the latest Conservative leader odds and asks, “Will Kemi Badenoch be the Next Tory Leader?”

bet365 Kemi Badenoch Next Conservative Leader 8/15 VISIT SITE!

Unless you are one of the Conservative Party members who the Gambling Commission is investigating for placing bets on general election timing, the 4th of July announcement came as a surprise to us mere mortals.

Given that Rishi Sunak’s party has consistently lagged behind Labour by an average of 20 points in the polls, the general expectation was that he would wait until the end of the year. This delay would allow time for the cost-of-living crisis to ease and for the proposed deportation of illegal immigrants to Rwanda to commence.

However, the PM either felt the polls were inaccurate or was confident he could defy the odds and win his party another term. Either way, it was a big gamble, according to most bookmakers offering a market on the general election betting as Labour was as short as 1/18, and they duly obliged in a landslide victory.

Shortly after the election, Rishi Sunak addressed the nation following his crushing defeat, offering a heartfelt apology and acknowledging the public’s “anger and disappointment” with his government. Taking full responsibility for the historic loss, Sunak confirmed he would step down as Conservative leader. His resignation leaves the inevitable question: who will take the reins and attempt to resurrect the Conservative party from the ashes?

Kemi Badenoch – 8/15

Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Dame Priti Patel, Mel Stride, and Tom Tugendhat were the six original candidates in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader. Each hopeful needed the backing of at least 10 Tory MPs to qualify, with the field gradually narrowed down through a series of votes. Dame Priti Patel was the first to be eliminated, followed by Mel Stride. Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly, both strong contenders, were also knocked out in later rounds.

Now that the Tory leadership has become a two-horse race, Kemi Badenoch is leading the charge with odds of 8/15. Badenoch, 44, has built a reputation as a strong, unapologetic voice within the Conservative Party, often positioning herself as a disruptor and critic of the political establishment. Born in London to Nigerian parents and raised partly in Nigeria, Badenoch brings a unique background to the table, and if she wins, she will become the first Black leader of a major British political party.

Badenoch has held various significant roles, including Business Secretary, where she championed deregulation and a free-market economy. Her focus on low taxes and reducing government interference has earned her a strong following among the party’s right-wing members. She is also known for her staunch opposition to multiculturalism and her “anti-woke” stance, often sparking debates with her comment that “not all cultures are equally valid.”

With Margaret Thatcher as her inspiration, Badenoch promises to “rewire, reboot, and reprogram” the British state, aiming to lead the party back to its free-market roots. Her strong conservative credentials and commitment to policies like ending mass migration and scaling back environmental targets make her a clear favourite among party members seeking a return to traditional Conservative values.

Badenoch vs Jenrick: The Final Showdown – Tory Leadership Betting

Sunak Resigns – Predicting the Next Tory Leadership Contest

Rishi Sunak’s resignation marked the end of a challenging tenure, during which the Conservative Party struggled with internal divisions and a stagnant economy. His leadership, characterised by cautious pragmatism and a focus on economic recovery, failed to capture the public’s imagination or rally his party’s base. Sunak’s final message, calling for “kindness, decency, and tolerance,” contrasted sharply with the political landscape he leaves behind.

As the Conservative Party turns to its next leader, both Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick offer a stark departure from Sunak’s more measured approach. With her uncompromising stance on cultural issues and determination to “rewire, reboot, and reprogram” Britain, Badenoch signals a shift towards a more disruptive, ideologically driven leadership. Her vision for the party is rooted in free-market principles, emphasising deregulation and cutting back on government interference—an agenda that aligns with the right wing of the party, seeking a return to traditional Conservative values.

Jenrick, on the other hand, offers a similarly bold but distinct path. His hardline positions on immigration and sovereignty and his Thatcherite economic platform suggest a leadership style focused on nationalism and financial freedom. Unlike Sunak, who often sought compromise, Jenrick’s leadership would likely push the party further right, catering to members frustrated with international institutions and climate policies they see as hindrances to Britain’s progress.

As Conservative members prepare to choose their next leader, the choice between Badenoch and Jenrick represents more than just a shift in personalities; it signifies the party’s future direction in the post-Sunak era. Whether it’s Badenoch’s promise of radical transformation or Jenrick’s call for a return to sovereignty and traditionalism, one thing is clear: the next leader will mark a decisive break from the cautious, centrist politics of Rishi Sunak.