42-year-old British-Nigerian Kemi Badenoch joins race to succeed Boris Johnson, gets massive endorsements

Former British equalities minister Kemi Badenoch has declared her intention to run for Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party, a declaration that has received wide acceptance.

Ms Badenoch, who was born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents, entered the race to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Conservative leader on Saturday.

She was one of the nearly 60 members of parliament and aides who quit last week after Johnson apologised for appointing a senior colleague facing sexual assault claims to a prominent role.

Her declaration has attracted a number of public endorsements, including by some members of the British parliament such as Neil O’Brien, MP for Harborough; Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath; and Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington.