Britain's largest opposition Conservative Party has chosen Kemi Badenoch as its leader. She is the first Black woman to lead a major British political party.

The party on Saturday announced the results of a party vote to pick the successor to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The former business and trade secretary beat former immigration minister, Robert Jenrick.

Badenoch said it is time to "give our party, our country, the new start that they deserve." She added: "It is time to get down to business. It is time to renew."

The party suffered a heavy defeat in the general election in July following a series of scandals and mishaps and was kicked out of power for the first time in 14 years.

The 44-year-old Badenoch was born to Nigerian parents in Britain and grew up in Nigeria before returning to the UK at the age of 16.

She is known for her right-wing stance and cautious attitude toward accepting immigrants and expanding the rights of sexual minorities. Observers see her win as leading the party to lean more toward the right.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Badenoch, saying, "The first Black leader of a Westminster party is a proud moment for our country."

He added, "I look forward to working with you and your party in the interests of the British people."