A Hampshire MP says Kemi Badenoch will make a "very good leader" after she was elected Conservative leader on Saturday.

Conservative MP for Hamble Valley, Paul Holmes, spoke in favour of Rishi Sunak's successor, calling for her to challenge Labour in parts of the south with her policies.

Mr Holmes, who was MP for Eastleigh until July's election, when he moved seat to Hamble Valley, said: "Congratulations to Kemi, and I know she’s going to make a very good leader, because we’ve seen this Labour government hasn’t had a very good start.

"Once she outlines her policies she’ll be able to start showing how this version of the Conservative Party will go on to win the General Election."

Kemi Badenoch was announced as the new Tory leader on Saturday November 2.Kemi Badenoch was announced as the new Tory leader on Saturday November 2. (Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Mr Holmes scolded the Budget on his X account on Wednesday, calling it an announcement of "broken promises".

"I think it's clear that constituencies like mine are going to suffer under this Labour government," Mr Holmes said.

"In the budget they announced lots of investment in the north, but under this Labour, the south always suffers.

"I’m looking forward to see how Kemi Badenoch proves the Conservative party as a viable option to more constituencies like mine, and how can she show support to the south to start winning back those seats in this part of the country."

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In a previous comment to the Daily Echo, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, Darren Paffey, said: "This budget will bring real benefits to people in Southampton, from the increase in the living wage that will put more money in the pockets of hardworking constituents, to a serious funding commitment to enable the NHS to deliver more treatment and reduce waiting times.

"By fixing the foundations and stabilising the economy now, we can make real, credible, and sustainable strides towards the change and prosperity that Southampton and the country voted for.”

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Kemi Badenoch bested Robert Jenrick by 53,806 votes to 41,388 to be elected leader of the Conservative Party.

The former business secretary becomes the first black woman elected to lead a major British political party, and the fourth woman to lead the Conservative Party after Liz Truss, Theresa May and Margaret Thatcher.