OFTEN touted as a future Tory leader and a potential PM, Kemi Badenoch is one of the highest profile Conservatives.
Away from politics, Kemi Badenoch is married to husband Hamish – read on to find out more about who he is, what he does and when they tied the knot.
Kemi Badenoch pictured with husband Hamish
Who is Kemi Badenoch’s husband Hamish?
Hamish is married to Kemi Badenoch – who was appointed Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade on February 7, 2023.
She was also appointed as President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities in 2022.
Kemi has been outspoken on issues surrounding ‘woke agendas‘ and gender, including a fallout with Doctor Who star David Tenant on transgender rights.
Kemi was the MP for Saffron Walden in Essex from June 8, 2017 until the constituency was abolished in 2024.
She is standing to be MP at the 2024 election for the new North West Essex seat.
Kemi Badenoch during the 2024 British Chambers of Commerce ConferenceLucy North/PA Wire
Hamish works for Deutsche Bank and is a former Conservative councillor on Merton London Borough Council, from 2014 to 2018.
He was born to a mother who emigrated to London from Ireland – where he later stood as the Conservative candidate for Foyle, in Northern Ireland, in 2015 but failed to get elected.
Growing up he was head boy at Ampleforth school and then studied at Cambridge University.
When did Kemi and Hamish Badenoch get married?
Hamish first met his future wife Kemi at the Dulwich and West Norwood Conservative Club in 2009 whilst on the campaign trail.
Speaking to The Times, she said: “It wasn’t love at first sight.”
They became closer the more they worked together, with Hamish helping to fundraise and turning up for every canvass.
Hamish and I became friends and it took off from there. He helped me deliver my leaflets.’’
Kemi Badenoch
She said: “When I had tough times, he was always there, so we became friends.”
The pair tied the knot in 2012.
Kemi also admitted that her ‘’supportive’’ husband had made the decision to take a step back from the world of politics so that he could support his wife in her pursuits.
Kemi and Hamish Badenoch with Theresa MayInstagram
She added: “We actually share a lot: we both grew up in big, close families. So our values are the same.”
Do Kemi and Hamish Badenoch have any children?
Kemi and Hamish are parents to three children.
The couple share two daughters and one son.
They welcomed their first child in 2013.
In 2017, the Badenoch brood grew as Kemi and Hamish welcomed their second child before their third child was born two years later in 2019.
In December 2019, shortly after giving birth, Kemi took to Instagram to thank her ‘’wonderful husband and beautiful children’’ in a sweet social media post.
THANK YOU to my wonderful husband and beautiful children who don’t see as much of me as me as they should (even during maternity leave) because of the job I chose. I am a very lucky woman indeed!’’
Kemi Badenoch
Kemi has spoken in interviews about the challenges of balancing family life with politics.
Kemi Badenoch, and her baby, as she is sworn in as an MP in the House of CommonsGetty
She says how her older daughter “hates” her mother’s job because it takes her away from her family, however they enjoy spending time at the weekends at Kemi’s constituency house.
How did Kemi Badenoch vote in the Brexit referendum?
During the 2016 Brexit referendum Kemi Badenoch campaigned to leave the EU.
In terms of parliamentary votes, she has generally followed the Tory whip on European matters.
She also voted in favour of the withdrawal agreement drawn up by Theresa May’s government in 2019.