Badenoch said that former UK PM Boris Johnson had fallen into a “trap” of breaking lockdown rules that should never have been introduced

Kemi Badenoch dismissed the furore over Partygate, describing the scandal as "overblown" in her first television interview as the new Tory leader on Sunday, 3 November. The MP for North West Essex criticised the then-government for fining people for what she described as "everyday activities" during coronavirus lockdowns.

Kemi Badenoch was elected Saturday to lead the party, after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stepped down following its crushing electoral defeat to Labour in July. Under her wing, the Conservatives are likely to take a more hardline approach to immigration,

At the start of the weekend there was an outburst of rejoicing among Tory activists - not something they have been accustomed to in recent years. A single opinion poll suggested the Conservatives are now in the lead.

If the newly elected Conservative Party leader can grab the key issues she can “move the needle” and fix the party’s “brand crisis”, says Sky News contributor Kosha Gada.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has revealed her full shadow cabinet who will take on Sir Keir Starmer's government. Here are the roles in full: Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer: Mel Stride MP · Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign,