Mrs Kemi Badenoch · Conservative and Unionist Party
East of England, England
: 79,698
Created in the 2023 boundary review, replacing Saffron Walden.
Votes less often than 96% of MPs.
MP News Approval i
+33
Kemi Badenoch
Conservative and Unionist PartyThe Rt Hon Mrs Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative MP for North West Essex, and has been an MP continually since 8 June 2017. She currently undertakes the role of Leader of HM Official Opposition. In addition, she is Leader of the Conservative Party.
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Sign up freeCoverage of North West Essex has been mixed for Kemi across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Shadow Cabinet League Table: Badenoch extends her lead, Timothy holds second | Conservative Home” — Conservative Home
“Exclusive: Developer proposing £1billion scheme to build new A120 dual carriageway” — Braintree and Witham Times
A new constituency created in the 2023 boundary review. Won by Con in its first election in 2024 by 4.8%. Covers Saffron Walden, Stansted Mountfitchet and Great Dunmow. Population 119,821. Recorded crime is 43% below the national average.
Cambs transgender woman refused baptism and told to 'grow a beard'
Cambridge News Online · 15 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£34,000
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£51,200
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
5,855
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
50
40 primary, 5 secondary, 5 other
Total Income Tax▼
£646m
from 60,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£3,700
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£10,800
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
47.4
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
69.4%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 city, 1 large town, 5 towns, 12 villages, rural areas — 103,336 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
41 councillors across 22 wards · Last elections: May 2023
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashdon | Conservative and Unionist Party | John Michael Moran | May 2023 |
| Boreham The Leighs | Conservative and Unionist Party | James Raven | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Victoria Louise Canning | May 2023 | |
| Broomfield The Walthams | Conservative and Unionist Party | Mike Steel | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Nicola Jane Bugbee | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Philip Robert Andrew Wilson | May 2023 | |
| Chelmsford Rural West | Conservative and Unionist Party | Nicolette Chambers | May 2023 |
| Clavering | Conservative and Unionist Party | Edward Oliver | May 2023 |
| Debden Wimbish | Residents for Uttlesford | Stewart Charles Luck | May 2023 |
| Elsenham Henham | Residents for Uttlesford | Bianca Donald | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Petrina Michelle Lees | May 2023 | |
| Flitch Green Little Dunmow | Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Criscione | May 2023 |
| Great Dunmow North | Residents for Uttlesford | Alex Armstrong | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | John Edward Norris Davey | May 2023 | |
| Great Dunmow South Barnston | Conservative and Unionist Party | Brian John Regan | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Martin | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Tom Loveday | May 2023 | |
| High Easter The Rodings | Conservative and Unionist Party | Susan Barker | May 2023 |
| Littlebury Chesterford Wenden Lofts | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Neil Stephen Richard Gregory | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Richard Stewart Leighton Pavitt | May 2023 | |
| Newport | Residents for Uttlesford | Judy Emanuel | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Neil Hargreaves | May 2023 | |
| Saffron Walden Audley | Residents for Uttlesford | Alex Reeve | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Arthur George Coote | May 2023 | |
| Saffron Walden Castle | Residents for Uttlesford | Heather Jane Asker | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Richard Ford Freeman | May 2023 | |
| Saffron Walden Shire | Residents for Uttlesford | Chloe Louise Fiddy | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Daniel Ronald Mcbirnie | May 2023 | |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Melon Ahmed | May 2023 | |
| Stansted North | Liberal Democrats | Alan Dean | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Geoffrey Sell | May 2023 | |
| Stansted South Birchanger | Conservative and Unionist Party | Nick Church | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Ray Gooding | May 2023 | |
| Stort Valley | Liberal Democrats | Janice Loughlin | May 2023 |
| Takeley | Residents for Uttlesford | Geoff Bagnall | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Maggie Sutton | May 2023 | |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Mark Andrew Coletta | May 2023 | |
| Thaxted The Eastons | Residents for Uttlesford | Martin Foley | May 2023 |
| Residents for Uttlesford | Richard Henry Haynes | May 2023 | |
| Writtle | Conservative and Unionist Party | Andrew Thorpe-Apps | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Barry Knight | May 2023 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 19,360 | 35.6% |
| Lab | 16,750 | 30.8% | |
| Ref | 7,668 | 14.1% | |
| LD | 6,055 | 11.1% | |
| Green | 2,846 | 5.2% | |
| Ind | 852 | 1.6% | |
| Ind | 699 | 1.3% | |
| Ind | 156 | 0.3% |
Kemi Badenoch appeared in 45 national articles across 15 topics (8 Apr 2026 – 15 Apr 2026)
Mixed (+0.13)Ranked #6 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
Gains political advantage through sharp criticism of government economic record, contrasting with stronger G7 growth under previous Conservative administration.
Badenoch delivers strong criticism of government defence failures and calls for a new approach, positioning herself as a strong voice on national security.
Challenging the Government on defence funding delays at PMQs, though her role is limited to opposition questioning rather than substantive action.
Poll predicts she would lose her seat, indicating poor Conservative performance despite Labour's collapse.
Badenoch's decisive call to ban doctor strikes positions her as strong on NHS governance and patient protection, contrasting her with Labour and potentially strengthening Conservative electoral positioning on health.
A 73-year-old transgender woman from Ely, Cambridgeshire claims the Lighthouse Church refused to baptise her and allegedly told her to 'grow a beard', citing her being transgender. She has since been baptised at another inclusive church in the area.
A documentary film about the 'Essex Girl' stereotype is being filmed in Saffron Walden, exploring how this label has affected women across Essex and its historical roots. The project aims to challenge harmful perceptions and celebrate the diversity of Essex women through interviews and cultural analysis.
First Bus is implementing significant timetable and route changes across Essex from April 12, 2026, affecting multiple services in North Essex including routes around Chelmsford, Great Dunmow, Colchester, and Maldon. The changes aim to improve punctuality, reliability, and connectivity, with new direct links, capacity upgrades during peak hours, and service consolidations.
A 19-year-old woman, Jamie-Lea Biscoe, died from a dog attack in Leaden Roding, North West Essex on Friday night. The local vicar has opened St Michael & All Angels church as a place of refuge for the affected community to process this tragedy.
Witham Running Club members achieved multiple personal bests and podium finishes at various local and national running events, including races in Witham, Billericay, Maldon, Chelmsford, and London. The article highlights individual athletic accomplishments across different age categories and distance events.
A north-west Essex farmer reports 198 hare coursing incidents since July, describing violent attacks and severe safety concerns on his property. Despite increased police patrols and security measures, the farmer calls for greater resources to tackle the problem, which the NFU describes as unacceptable.
Nicky Smith, a legendary non-league footballer who played for Colchester United in their famous 1992 double-winning season and later served as a police officer in Essex, has died aged 57 after a battle with cancer. Smith had a storied career across multiple Essex-based clubs including Braintree Town, Sudbury Town, and others, while also serving in the Essex Police.
A man suffered serious facial injuries during a disturbance at Flitch Snooker Club in Great Dunmow on April 11. Essex Police are seeking a suspect and appealing for witnesses to help identify the perpetrator.
A 19-year-old woman was killed in a dog attack at a property in Leaden Roding, near Great Dunmow in Essex on Friday evening. A 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
The article highlights Bridge End Gardens in Saffron Walden, a historic attraction within North West Essex featuring diverse garden spaces, a hedge maze, and recreational facilities. It presents a positive local tourism story showcasing the area's natural heritage and visitor amenities.
Essex County Council has reversed plans to cut two bus routes (320 and 321) serving villages in North West Essex after a public consultation showed unanimous opposition. The routes connecting Steeple Bumpstead, Hempstead, Radwinter and Sewards End to Saffron Walden and Haverhill will now be subsidised with government money until July 2028.
A travel publication has named three Essex villages—Castle Hedingham, Finchingfield, and Thaxted—among the prettiest villages to visit near London, highlighting their historic attractions, architecture, and local amenities. The article promotes these locations as destinations for visitors seeking escape from urban areas.
Essex County Council has reversed its decision to scrap bus services 320 and 321 that connect villages including Steeple Bumpstead, Hempstead, and Radwinter to Haverhill and Saffron Walden, following strong local opposition with 1,439 responses all opposing the cuts. The reversal is particularly significant for school children and residents without car access who would have faced severe disruption.
Stansted Airport's Community Fund has distributed £240,000 to 80 organisations across Essex and Hertfordshire in the past year, with £79,800 awarded to 32 groups in the latest round. Several North West Essex organisations benefited, including Braintree Hockey Club, Great Dunmow Air Training Corps, and Saffron Walden Community Youth Sports Hub.
Little Burstead, a village between Billericay and Basildon, has the highest council tax bills in Essex at £2,405 annually for Band D homes—£400 more than the cheapest area. The article examines council tax variations across Essex and notes significant increases over recent years, with residents paying up to £300 more than in 2022.
Essex Police are searching for a father and son, both named James Connors, wanted for multiple offences including firearm possession with intent to cause fear or violence, affray in Great Dunmow, and shop theft in Harlow. Both men have connections to North West Essex areas including Dunmow and Braintree.
A barber in Great Dunmow, Essex distributed 1,000 fake parking tickets as a marketing stunt to promote his business, causing distress to some residents who thought they were genuine penalties. The stunt prompted a visit from PCSOs and criticism from Great Dunmow Town Council, though the barber defended it as creative marketing necessary in a competitive market facing rising costs.
A 60-year-old man from Stowmarket has been jailed for seven and a half years for sexually abusing two young girls in the Stansted Mountfitchet area of Essex over 16 years. The case demonstrates effective collaboration between Essex Police's child abuse investigation team, victims, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, tops ConservativeHome's Shadow Cabinet League Table for the third consecutive time with a net satisfaction rating of +82.1, reflecting her improved personal polling and position as the most popular party leader. The article notes her dramatic rise in ratings and discusses her standing within the Conservative Party hierarchy.
A barber in Great Dunmow, Essex, distributed 1,000 fake parking tickets as promotional leaflets for his salon, sparking mixed reactions from residents and a police visit. The stunt cost £140 and offered £5 haircut vouchers, with the barber citing cost-of-living pressures and the need for creative marketing in a competitive local market.
Essex Police is investigating a robbery in Harris Green, Great Dunmow and an aggravated burglary at a nearby property on February 7. Police have released CCTV images and are appealing to the public for information to identify suspects.
New temporary banking hubs have opened in Maldon and Saffron Walden (both in North West Essex) to provide residents with access to cash withdrawals, deposits, and basic banking services following the closure of traditional bank branches in these areas. The hubs operate weekdays 9am-5pm and include community banker services for complex enquiries.
Little Burstead in North West Essex has the highest council tax bills in the county at £2,405 annually for Band D homes, £400 more than the cheapest area. The article examines variations in council tax across Essex and highlights recent sharp increases, with residents paying nearly £300 more than in 2022.
Essex Young Farmers achieved strong results in the Eastern Area Spring Competitions hosted by Hertfordshire Young Farmers, winning first place in Brainstrust and multiple second and third place finishes. The article highlights upcoming social and competitive events for the farming community across Essex, including Easter activities, competitions, and the annual show.
A developer, Peter Williams, has proposed a £1 billion scheme to build a new dual carriageway on the A120 between Braintree and Marks Tey, with private investor backing since government funding has not been forthcoming. The project has garnered support from local MPs, councils, Stansted Airport, and Freeport East, and is expected to improve safety (27 deaths in 26 years on the current stretch), reduce congestion, and generate up to 20,000 new jobs for the Essex region.
Essex Police reported the jailing of 11 criminals in March for various offences including violence, sexual assault, theft, and fraud. The cases involved a violent hammer attack near Colchester, a major VAT fraud scheme across Essex, a serious assault in Kettering involving a Clacton man, a burglar targeting Essex and Cambridgeshire addresses, and other criminal convictions.
This article reports on eight Essex criminals jailed during March 2026, including offenders convicted of rape, child sexual abuse, voyeurism, and burglary. The cases span multiple locations across Essex including Clacton, Canvey Island, Leigh, and Maldon, with sentences ranging from several years to 20 years imprisonment.
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