British citizens headed to the polling units to elect members of parliament. The Labour Party secured an overwhelming victory, winning 412 out of 650 seats and ending the 14-year rule of the Conservatives. As a result, Keir Starmer was officially appointed as the British Prime Minister after Rishi Sunak conceded defeat and resigned as Tory leader.
Kemi Badenoch: Tory MP for North West Essex
Renowned British-Nigerian Kemi Badenoch retained her seat in North West Essex. Despite the Conservative Party’s overall loss to Labour, Badenoch secured victory with 19,360 votes, defeating her main challenger, Labour’s Issy Waiter (16,750 votes). Badenoch, born on January 2, 1980, previously served as Britain’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade (2023-2024) and as the President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equalities (2022-2024). She has been an MP representing Saffron Walden since 2017. Badenoch holds degrees in Computer Systems Engineering and Law and is married with three children.
Bayo Alaba: Labour Party Winner in Southend East and Rochford
British-Nigerian businessman Bayo Alaba emerged victorious in Southend East and Rochford, winning for the Labour Party. Alaba, a former Parachute Regiment soldier and youth mentor, secured 15,395 votes, defeating the Conservative Party’s candidate, Gavin Haran (11,368 votes). Born and raised in Forest Gate, east London, Alaba is currently serving as the first black councillor for the London Borough of Redbridge. He is also a Board Trustee for Phoenix Resource Centre, a sustainable charity operating in the UK and abroad.
Taiwo Owatemi: Former Shadow Minister’s Comeback
Taiwo Owatemi, a British-Nigerian, staged a successful comeback in Coventry North West. Owatemi’s victory adds to her political career, and she continues to serve as an MP.
Other Successful Candidates
In addition to the above, Chi Onwurah (Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West), Kate Osamor (Edmonton), and Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green) also won their respective seats in the UK Parliament.
These British-Nigerians have made significant strides in UK politics, contributing to the country’s diverse representation in parliament. Their victories reflect the changing face of British politics and the growing influence of individuals with Nigerian heritage.
Source: Punch ng