Four British-Nigerians Secure Seats in UK Parliament Elections

Four British-Nigerians have secured seats in the UK Parliament following the July 4 elections. Kemi Badenoch, Bayo Alaba, Taiwo Owatemi, and Chi Onwurah achieved notable victories, contributing to the Labour Party’s overwhelming success.

In a historic election on July 4, 2024, British citizens flocked to polling stations to elect members of parliament for a new government. The Labour Party triumphed, securing 412 out of 650 seats and ending the 14-year rule of the Conservatives. Keir Starmer has been appointed the new British Prime Minister after Rishi Sunak conceded defeat and stepped down as Tory leader. Among the victorious candidates were four prominent British-Nigerians who won their respective seats, showcasing the growing diversity in UK politics.

Kemi Badenoch Re-elected as Tory MP Despite Conservative Defeat

Kemi Badenoch, a distinguished British-Nigerian politician, retained her seat in North West Essex despite the Conservative Party’s overall loss. Badenoch, who received 19,360 votes, defeated her Labour challenger Issy Waiter, who garnered 16,750 votes. In her victory speech, Badenoch acknowledged the loss of many Conservative seats but emphasized her commitment to serving the public.

Badenoch, born on January 2, 1980, has held several significant positions, including Secretary of State for Business and Trade (2023-2024) and Minister for Women and Equalities (2022-2024). Representing Saffron Walden since 2017, she remains a resilient and bold figure in British politics. Badenoch has a Master’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Sussex and a Law degree from Birkbeck, University of London. She is married to Hamish Badenoch and has three children.

Bayo Alaba Wins Southend East and Rochford for Labour Party

British-Nigerian businessman Bayo Alaba won the Southend East and Rochford seat for the Labour Party with 15,395 votes, defeating Conservative candidate Gavin Haran, who received 11,368 votes. Alaba, a former Parachute Regiment soldier and youth mentor, is the first black councillor for the London Borough of Redbridge.

Born and raised in Forest Gate, East London, Alaba is actively involved in the Phoenix Resource Centre, a sustainable charity. In his victory speech, Alaba expressed gratitude to the voters and emphasized his commitment to serving the community.

Taiwo Owatemi’s Triumphant Return to Coventry North West

Taiwo Owatemi made a successful comeback by winning the Coventry North West seat for the Labour Party. Owatemi received 19,696 votes, defeating Conservative rival Tom Mercer, who secured 8,522 votes. Owatemi previously served as the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities (2021-2022).

Born on July 22, 1992, Owatemi holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Kent. Before entering politics, she worked at a cancer unit in Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Owatemi expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and emphasized her commitment to representing their voices.

Chi Onwurah Continues Winning Streak in Newcastle

Chi Onwurah was re-elected as MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, representing the Labour Party. Onwurah won with 18,875 votes as the Labour Party achieved a landslide victory. She defeated Ashton Muncaster of the Reform Party, who received 7,815 votes.

Onwurah, born on April 12, 1965, has been a member of the UK Parliament since 2010. She previously served as the Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy. Onwurah holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London. In her victory speech, she thanked her constituents for their confidence in her and the Labour Party, promising to continue serving them diligently.

These victories highlight the increasing diversity and representation in the UK Parliament, as British-Nigerians continue to make significant strides in politics.