In the recent UK Parliamentary elections, six individuals of Nigerian descent emerged victorious, securing their positions as Members of Parliament. Here’s a closer look at these notable winners:
Chi Onwurah (Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West)
Chi Onwurah was re-elected to represent Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West for the Labour Party, winning with 18,875 votes. Born on April 12, 1965, Onwurah previously served as the Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy.
Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden)
Despite a significant loss for the Conservative Party overall, Kemi Badenoch retained her seat in Saffron Walden with 19,360 votes, defeating Labour’s Issy Waiter, who received 16,750 votes.
Kate Osamor (Edmonton)
Kate Osamor, 55, has been serving as the Member of Parliament for Edmonton since 2015. She held the position of Shadow Secretary of State for International Development from 2016 to 2018.
Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green)
Florence Eshalomi, 43, represented Vauxhall from 2019 until the seat’s abolition in 2024. A member of the Labour and Co-operative parties, she was also a Member of the London Assembly for Lambeth and Southwark from 2016 to 2021.
Taiwo Owatemi (Coventry North West)
Taiwo Owatemi won the seat for Coventry North West for the Labour Party, polling 19,696 votes against her Conservative rival Tom Mercer, who received 8,522 votes. Owatemi, 32, served as the Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities from September 2021 to September 2022.
Bayo Alaba (Southend East and Rochford)
Bayo Alaba secured his position in Southend East and Rochford for the Labour Party, winning 15,395 votes against the Conservative candidate Gavin Haran, who garnered 11,368 votes.
These victories highlight the growing influence and representation of the Nigerian-British community within UK politics.
