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Meet The Four British-Nigerians That Secured Seats In UK Parliament
Four British-Nigerians, including Kemi Badenoch and Taiwo Owatemi, won seats in the UK Parliament, marking a significant presence in the new government.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the British citizens on Thursday, July 4, 2024, trooped out to the polling units to elect members of parliament that will form a new government.
The Labour Party won overwhelmingly, securing 412 out of 650 seats and ending the Conservatives’ 14-year rule.
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As a result, Labour leader Keir Starmer has been officially appointed British Prime Minister, following Rishi Sunak’s concession and resignation as Tory leader.
Notably, four prominent British-Nigerians were victorious in the election.
Kemi Badenoch returns as Tory MP despite Conservatives’ ouster
Renowned British-Nigerian Kemi Badenoch won her seat in North West Essex in the July 4 Parliamentary elections.
Badenoch was re-elected as a Conservative Party MP despite the Tories’ landslide loss to Labour.
She won with 19,360 votes, defeating Labour’s Issy Waiter, who garnered 16,750 votes.
After her victory, Badenoch stated, “Many of my friends and colleagues have lost their seats. They have served their country with distinction. Their service will never be in vain. But the public have spoken and they have said loud and clear that the Conservatives have lost their trust.”
Born on January 2, 1980, Badenoch served as Britain’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade from 2023 to 2024, and as Minister for Women and Equalities from 2022 to 2024.
Badenoch has represented Saffron Walden as an MP since 2017.
She studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex and earned a Master’s degree in 2003. She also studied Law at Birkbeck, University of London.
Badenoch married Hamish Badenoch in 2012 and they have three children.
Businessman Bayo Alaba wins Newcastle for Labour Party
British-Nigerian businessman, Bayo Alaba, won the Southend East and Rochford for Labour Party.
Alaba won with 15,395 votes against the Conservative Party’s candidate, Gavin Haran with 11,368 votes.
Widely known as a successful former Parachute Regiment soldier, and youth mentor, Alaba is currently serving as the first black councillor for the London Borough of Redbridge.
Born and raised in Forest Gate, east London, Alaba is a Board Trustee for Phoenix Resource Centre, a sustainable charity with operations in the UK and abroad.
Commenting on his victory, Alaba said, “The people of Southend East Rochford have put their trust in our changed Labour Party. Now is the time to deliver.
“This will be the greatest thing of my life. I will work every day to repay the trust you put in me,” he added.
Former Shadow Minister, Taiwo Owatemi who staged comeback
Former MP of Nigerian descent, Taiwo Owatemi, won the UK Parliament election in Coventry North West for Labour.
Owatemi polled 19,696 votes, defeating Tory rival Tom Mercer, who secured 8,522 votes.
She served as the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities from September 2021 to September 2022.
Born on July 22, 1992, Owatemi was first elected to the UK Parliament in 2019.
The 31-year-old has a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kent and worked at a cancer unit in Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust before entering politics.
Owatemi was a member of Labour Friends of Israel and visited the country in February 2023.
After her victory, she said, “Words cannot express my gratitude to the people of Coventry North West. Your trust in me, in our shared vision, for a brighter future, is truly humbling. It is the honour of my life to represent you and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure your voices are represented.”
Chi Onwurah continues winning streak
Chi Onwurah has been re-elected as the Labour MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central in the UK Parliament election.
Onwurah secured 18,875 votes on July 4, contributing to Labour’s landslide victory.
Born on April 12, 1965, Onwurah, previously the Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, first entered Parliament in 2010.
She defeated Ashton Muncaster of the Reform Party, who received 7,815 votes.
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Onwurah attended Kenton School, Newcastle, and holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London.
In her remarks, she said, “Thank you from the Labour team to everyone in Newcastle Central for putting your confidence in Labour and electing me as your Member of Parliament. We will not let you down!”
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