One of the famous US Republicans has endorsed Kemi Badenoch as the next Conservative leader.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who competed with Donald Trump for his party’s presidential nomination, said Ms Badenoch will be an “inspiration for conservatives not just in the United Kingdom, but all across the world”.
She has already won the endorsement of former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott.
Mr DeSantis said: “I’m pleased to endorse Kemi Badenoch for Conservative party leader. She and I worked on a great trade agreement between Florida and the United Kingdom.
“She has a commitment to conservative principles, she’s strong, she’s courageous and she will be an inspiration for conservatives not just in the United Kingdom, but all across the world.
“Our president Ronald Reagan once said that we need to stand for bold colours, not pale pastels. Kemi flies the flag of bold colours, just like we do in Florida, just like you will do again in the United Kingdom.”
The endorsement is a welcome boost which comes ahead of crucial votes by Tory MPs this week which will decide which two of the four leadership candidates will go on to the final stage of the leadership contest when party members cast their votes.
Last week all four contenders delivered speeches at the party conference in Birmingham.
A Badenoch campaign spokesman said: “Kemi’s speech received an incredible reception inside and outside the hall; focus groups show it went down best with the very voters we need to win back, and the speech is winning endorsements from senior Tory MPs and now the leading Republican Governor in the USA.
“It’s time for the Conservative party to get serious and think hard about how we cut through in opposition and take the fight to Labour.
“Only Kemi has the star quality to ensure people take notice, properly hold this flailing Starmer government to account, and lead us back to power.”
However, the team supporting leadership rival Tom Tugendhat has been encouraged with the endorsement of Alicia Kearns, who chaired the foreign affairs committee until the election.
She said: “The world is more dangerous than it’s ever been. We don’t just need a safe pair of hands, we need a leader who stands by their convictions, can navigate the complexities of governing, and will keep our country safe.”
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Publish date : 2024-10-05 12:01:00
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