KEmi Badenoch's election as Conservative Party leader may have been somewhat overshadowed by the US election, but it was still a political milestone. Her positioning as a “culture warrior” is, to some, evidence not of a changing Conservative Party but of a party with a new face on old instincts.
Here, the Guardian asks black and ethnic minority campaigners, public figures and politicians what it means for the Conservative Party to have a black leader.
Ross Griffiths
Windrush activist, Brixton, south London
Mr Ross Griffiths said Mr Badenoch's selection was “an undeniable historic achievement, but we must look beyond that”.
She said: “I do not believe her leadership signals any change in the Conservative Party's reprehensible policies.” [that] It created a hostile environment for the Windrush generation.
“For 14 years, her party has been damaging with its views and policies, and that's what I'm focused on. I won't dance in the streets. If you’re passionate about dismantling the system, you might get my attention.”
Charles Kwaku Odoi
Chief Executive, Caribbean and Africa Health Network
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, from Manchester, said Ms Badenoch's success was “good news because representation is important” and said she could be an inspiration.
He said: “The Black community is not homogeneous. We cannot simply assume that the Black faces around the table necessarily represent everyone's views. Our hope is that she actively listens and studies the evidence.” and understanding the disparities that Black people face.
“There are going to be people in the Black community who are privileged, and it's also important to understand that privilege compared to people who just don't feel like their voices matter.”
sophie cabang
with doctoral students founder Colchester's black lives matter too movement
Sophie Cabang said Badenoch's victory “feels empty”.
“This is not a victory for Black people. Her expression means nothing if her views support a harmful ideology. Her public admiration for Trump and staunch support for Israel's actions… It really shows her position: When it comes to perpetuating a system of oppression, the identity of the leader doesn't matter.”
Samuel Kasum
Boris Johnson's former race adviser
Samuel Kasumu, who was Boris Johnson's race adviser until he resigned in 2021, said: Many other variables will likely reach the top. ”
He said the Conservative Party still faced the challenge of engaging with wider society, demonstrating empathy and delivering a unified policy.
“If that's a priority, that can happen under Chemi. But the first thing a leader has to decide is, 'What is the most likely coalition I can put together to win?' What is it?'
Sundar Katwala
Director of the think tank “British Future”
“Her election says something very positive about British public life. We are now familiar with the presence of ethnic diversity at the top, from the Home Secretary to the Prime Minister to the Foreign Secretary and leaders. ” said Sundar Katwala.
“There are doors opening for blacks and Asians with ‘in-group’ status, but that’s not the same thing as opening doors across class barriers.”
Mr Katwala said Labor had a “stronger track record overall”, while the Conservatives were accelerating on diversity. It does not necessarily mean that a large number of black or Asian votes will be attracted.
After newsletter promotion
lee jasper
activist
Lee Jasper, a lifelong activist, said Mr Badenoch, who had been “relentlessly cornered”, showed that “if you are prepared to talk about the uncomfortable politics of extremism, you can go a long way”.
“One thing is for sure: Mr Badenoch's Conservative Party is putting Labour's condescending rhetoric on diversity to the test.”
He added that Mr Badenoch is being “hunted on the right flank by Nigel Farage”, creating “a race to the bottom and a break-up with Enoch Powell that bodes poorly for black, Asian and immigrant communities”. He added that he was concerned about a “political revival.”
Albie Amancona
Vice Chair for Broadcasting and LGBT+ Conservative Support
Albie Amankona said:[Badenoch] She's right when she says things like, “I hope we get to a time when a person's race isn't as important as the color of their eyes.”
“Honestly, I think she was the best candidate for the job. She just happens to be black. What does that mean for other parties? He has proven time and time again that he has no problem putting people in positions of power who are not white men.”
Selma Taha
executive directorSouthall Black Sisters
Selma Taha southall black sistersGroups campaigning against violence against women said Ms Badenoch's appointment was an important political moment that “raises the question of whether representation alone is victory for black, minority and migrant communities”. Ta.
She said: “Mr. Badenoch's stance on issues such as systemic racism, immigration, and support for the Rwanda Project reflects policies that challenge the well-being and safety of the communities we support.
“We look forward to seeing the Conservative Party under her leadership move towards policies that…respect the rights, dignity and humanity of all people.”
josh bavarinde
Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne
Josh Babarinde described this parliament as “more diverse” than any previous parliament.
He said: “It's really important for young people to be able to look at all areas of life and believe that they can get there. But beyond the important identity, what people are looking for is… is delivery.
“Kemi doesn't want to talk about identity, but he's keen to talk about essence. In essence, I don't know if this record is that great.”
