Kemi Badenoch, 44, has rapidly ascended the political ladder as a Conservative MP for the constituency of North West Essex since 2017. This was proven recently when she defeated Robert Jenrick to become the Conservative Party’s leader.
Currently serving as the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Kemi Badenoch was previously Secretary of State for Business and Trade from 2023 to 2024. Before that, she was President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equality from 2022 to 2024.
Briton’s unfavourable opinion
Despite this, a YouGov poll shows that, compared to the end of July, the number of Britons with an unfavourable opinion of Badenoch has risen from 37% to 45%, compared to a smaller 12% of Britons who view her favourably.
As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Badenoch was educated at the University of Sussex, earning a degree in Computer Systems Engineering in 2003. At 16, Badenoch worked at McDonald’s, claiming it made her working class.
Early career & advancement into politics
Badenoch’s early career was in IT and then the banking sector, whilst also being the digital editor of The Spectator from 2015 to 2016.
Early in her political career, Badenoch was recognised for her forthright style. A vocal advocate for a meritocratic society, Badenoch believes individuals should be judged by their abilities rather than their backgrounds.
No politician is without controversy, and Badenoch is no exception. For example, as a candidate in the Conservative leadership contest, she described maternity pay as “excessive”. Badenoch would, however, backtrack on the comment, stating,“Of course I believe in maternity pay”.
Views on identity politics
Badenoch has been notably critical of identity politics, instead emphasising personal responsibility. Such views have placed Badenoch under immense criticism, with actor David Tennant telling her to “shut up” and wishing her inexistence.
For instance, her speech at the Conservative Party conference highlighted the need for a curriculum that promotes critical thinking rather than divisive identity-based narratives.
Her unsuccessful bid for leader of the conservative party in 2022 helped gain her media attention. Badenoch positioned herself as a breath of fresh air, acting as a dynamic voice advocating the party’s progress.
Badenoch’s voting behaviour underscores her conservative principles, both socially and economically. For example, Badenoch supports measures that aim for economic growth, such as tax cuts and market deregulation. Her support of the 2023 Autumn statement as Secretary of State for Business and Trade serves as an example.
Overall, Badenoch’s background proves her to be a rising figure in UK politics, whilst her voting behaviour accentuates her principled conservative beliefs.
Featured Image Credit: members.parliament.uk
I am a third-year Politics and Journalism Studies student at the University of Stirling (2022-) and a writer and sub-editor for the Brig for over a year (Nov. 2023-), focusing mainly on political topics.
