Politics news: Kemi Badenoch elected leader of the Conservative Party

Kemi Badenoch is now addressing Conservative members after being elected as the party’s new leader.

She begins by describing an experience that “none of us candidates will ever forget.”

“It is a great honor for me to be elected to this position, to lead the party that I love, the party that has given me so much.

“I hope I can pay off this debt.”

Ms Badenoch goes on to thank Rishi Sunak, saying: “No one has worked harder in such difficult times,” before wishing him “all the best for the future.”

And, paying tribute to Robert Jenrick, she says: “We were all impressed by your energy and your determination.”

She says she has “no doubt” Mr Jenrick will play a “key role” in the party “for many years to come”.

The new Tory leader adds that the task facing the Tories is “difficult but simple”.

“Our first responsibility… is to hold this Labor government to account,” she says.

“Our second task is equally important – to prepare over the next few years for government.”

She says the party needs clear policies and a clear plan for implementing them.

“This enormous work begins today.”

Ms Badenoch says “it’s not just about the Conservative Party, it’s about the people we need to get back into the Conservative Party, it’s about the people we need to bring into the Conservative Party.”

But she said the Tories must be “honest” about “that we have made mistakes” and “accept lapses in standards”.

“It’s time to tell the truth.”