Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new leader of the Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting.

Badenoch becomes the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK, assuming leadership of a Conservative Party grappling with its worst electoral defeat in history.

She takes over from Rishi Sunak as leader of the opposition after securing 53,806 votes, surpassing Jenrick’s 41,388, in results announced on Saturday morning.

Throughout her campaign, Badenoch promised to steer the Conservatives back to “first principles” and initiate a series of reviews in the coming months to craft a fresh policy agenda.

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The North West Essex MP is also the sixth Tory leader in less than eight and a half years and faces the challenge of uniting a fractured party.

“The time has come to tell the truth,” Badenoch declared to supporters at the final count of the leadership contest, which ended on Saturday. “It is time to get down to business, it is time to renew.”

Despite the challenges, Badenoch’s no-nonsense approach has earned her a loyal base among Conservatives.

Known for her outspoken positions on identity politics and her desire to reduce state influence, she appeals to a faction within the party that believes a decisive rightward turn is necessary to reconnect with disillusioned voters.

She has a history of tense interactions with media figures, celebrities, and even some government officials during her time as a trade minister, but this has only bolstered her support among members who are wary of institutional and media influences.

Speaking on the significance of her win and her ambitions for the party, she commented, “The task that stands before us is tough but simple. Our first responsibility as His Majesty’s loyal opposition is to hold this Labour government to account. Our second is no less important; it is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, along with celebrities and other dignitaries, will be attending the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the event’s convener, Bodex Hungbo, the gathering is set to take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre in Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

With the theme “Social Media: The Influence, Power and Impact,” Hungbo stated that the event promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement.

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The statement read, “Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the fifth annual Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH), which promises fans, leaders, trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities a vibrant day of fun, learning, and excitement! Taking place on Saturday, 7 December 2024, at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, this festival is free to attend and requires no registration, welcoming everyone to join in the celebrations and immerse themselves in an extraordinary day of unforgettable experiences.

“This year’s edition celebrates the growth and resilience of our community. After six years of dedicated effort – excluding our COVID hiatus – we are thrilled to offer this milestone experience to everyone who has been a part of our journey.

“With high-profile appearances from influencers, celebrities, stakeholders, political figures, and artists, this event is set to be a star-studded spectacle.

“Expected to join the festivities are the Executive Governor of Lagos, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, along with other esteemed political figures, technocrats, and information managers.”

Nollywood actor and film producer Kunle Afolayan has announced the passing of his mother, Omoladun Afolayan, who died at the age of 81.

Kunle shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing that his mother lived a fulfilling life and is now at peace.

He wrote, “It is hard to accept, but she surely lived a good life. Our mother, Maami Omoladun Ayanladun Afolayan, has gone to rest. (1943-2024).

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“She is survived by children and grandchildren. Please keep us in your prayers. Omo re a gbeyin gbogbo wa.”

His brother, actor Gabriel Afolayan, also mourned their mother, sharing, “Home is not cool. We lost a very dear one.

“You’d be greatly missed, big mummy (Iya Oyo). We all love you to bits. I will miss my gist and dance partner. Rest on #maami. Big love to my sibs #kunleafo #aremumimostwantedlikecrudeoil.”