Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has revealed she is facing a wave of racist abuse since becoming the first black woman to lead the Tories, admitting the scale of hostility has taken her by surprise.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Badenoch said much of the abuse comes from anonymous critics online, with some questioning her achievements and attributing them to her race.

“There’s a lot of ethno-nationalism creeping up, lots of tropes about how I couldn’t possibly have done this by myself,” she said.

Badenoch, born in Wimbledon but raised in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16, has often avoided lengthy discussions about her heritage.

She has previously argued that Britain is not a racist country and has been critical of anti-racism campaigners and critical race theory.

Reflecting on her stance, she said: “I always try to think of every possible explanation before I go to race and racism.

“Ethnic minorities do very well here; it’s white working-class boys who are actually struggling on many metrics.

The Tory leader dismissed speculation of a leadership challenge from shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, describing it as “wishful thinking” from “sore losers.”

“With the Conservatives currently polling at just 17%, she faces a crucial moment as she prepares for her first party conference speech.