Tories change confidence vote rules after Badenoch is elected leader

We previously brought you key extracts from Kemi Badenoch’s first speech as leader of the Conservative Party.

Here’s the full statement she made immediately after the Tory leadership contest results were announced this morning:

“I want to start by thanking Richard Fuller for his service as our party chairman since July, and to Bob Blackman as the point man for this competition. You and your teams have done us all a great service.

“I also want to pay tribute to all members of the Conservative Party who have been involved in this very long campaign. It was an experience that none of us candidates will ever forget. Thank you for welcoming us into your communities, your village halls, your pubs and your homes.

“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.

“There are so many people to thank; Firstly my family, especially my husband Hamish – I couldn’t have done it without you, thank you for being with me every step of the way.

“I also want to thank Rishi. No one could work harder in such difficult times. Rishi, thank you for everything you have done, we all wish you and your wonderful family all the best for the future.

“I would also like to give a special thanks to Robert Jenrick, who ran a superb campaign.

“Rob, we were all impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don’t really disagree on much, and I have no doubt that you will play a key role in our party for many years to come.

“I would also like to thank all the other candidates, Priti, Mel, Tom and James, for your kind words and your many ideas.

“We have come through this campaign more united and the party needs you now more than ever.

“The task before us is difficult but simple.

“Our first duty as His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition is to hold this Labor Government to account.

“Our second is no less important. It’s about getting ready to form a government over the next few years, so that when the next election comes around we have not just a clear set of Conservative promises that appeal to the British people, but a clear plan for how to deliver them, a clear plan for change. this country by changing the way government operates.

“The Prime Minister is realizing too late the dangers of not having such a plan.

“This huge work begins today.

“He will seek to involve all our colleagues in Parliament, in the Scottish Parliament, the Senedd, our friends in Northern Ireland, as well as councilors and party members.

“But it’s not just about the Conservative Party, it’s about the people we want back into the Conservative Party, it’s about the people we need to bring into the Conservative Party.

“This is about what kind of Conservative Party we should be in the next five, 10 and 20 years.

“Our party is critical to the success of our country, but to be heard we must be honest – honest that we have made mistakes, honest that we have allowed standards to slip.

“It’s time to tell the truth. It’s time to tell the truth, stand up for our principles, plan for our future, reset our politics and our thinking, and give our party and our country the fresh start they deserve.

“It’s time to get busy, it’s time to renew.”