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University of Sussex alumna, Kemi Badenoch, has been elected as the new Leader of the Conservative Party, having won the party’s leadership contest on Saturday 2 November with 56% of the members’ vote. She is the first leader of a main UK political party to have graduated from Sussex.

Kemi studied Computer Systems Engineering at Sussex, completing a Masters of Engineering in 2003. She started her career in the IT sector before moving into consultancy and financial services. She was elected to the London Assembly in 2015 before her election as a Member of Parliament in 2017.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “I congratulate Kemi Badenoch on her election as Leader of the Conservative Party. It has been a significant year for our University of Sussex alumni in politics, following a record 12 alumni successfully retaining or claiming seats in their respective constituencies, in July’s general election.

“The 12 alumni were elected across five political parties (Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, and Reform), and highlight the political diversity that exists at Sussex. As a university, freedom of speech and academic freedom are foundational to our work, and we embrace diversity of background, belief, identity, and thought. We encourage our staff and students to think critically, to engage in meaningful debate and respectful discussion, to stand true to their beliefs, and to contribute positively to the world around them.

“I wish Ms Badenoch all the best in her important role as His Majesty’s Leader of the Opposition.”

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