Women With Balls: Kemi Badenoch, from the archives
Aug 18, 2024
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Kemi Badenoch, a rising star in the Conservative Party and former Minister of State, shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to UK politics. She discusses the impact of her upbringing under military rule and the freedoms she gained with her UK passport. Badenoch candidly addresses the challenges of being labeled a 'rising star,' especially as a black woman in politics, while delving into the importance of open conversations on race. She also offers insights into navigating media scrutiny and building cross-party relationships, emphasizing authenticity in political expression.
Kemi Badenoch's journey from an immigrant background to a prominent Tory MP underscores her belief in personal responsibility and community strength.
Badenoch advocates for open dialogue on race and inequality, emphasizing the need to challenge mainstream narratives without fear of backlash.
Deep dives
Kemi Badenoch's Background and Rise in Politics
Kemi Badenoch is celebrated for her journey from being an immigrant to a prominent figure in the Conservative Party. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, she spent her early years in Nigeria and returned to the UK at 16 amid political unrest. After earning a degree in computer systems engineering, she transitioned from a successful career in software engineering and banking to politics, where she quickly emerged as a rising star within the Conservative Party. Badenoch's unique background informs her conservative beliefs, particularly regarding the importance of personal responsibility and the dangers of excessive government interference.
Navigating Challenges in Parliament
Since entering Parliament, Badenoch has faced the realities of political life, including the impact of public scrutiny and the challenges of representing diverse viewpoints. She expressed the difficulty of maintaining her authentic self while in the public eye, especially after her past actions, such as a light-hearted prank, were scrutinized and misrepresented. Additionally, she highlighted the emotional toll that public service takes, particularly on families, shedding light on the personal sacrifices involved in being an MP. Badenoch's resilience is evident as she navigates her role and debates policies on contentious issues like race and equality.
Conservative Ideals and Personal Responsibility
Badenoch firmly believes in the values of personal responsibility and the importance of strong families and communities in shaping individuals' success. She critiqued a culture of lowering aspirations, citing her own experiences in education, where teachers advised against pursuing ambitious career paths like medicine. Her passion for advocating these conservative principles stems from her desire to empower individuals rather than rely solely on government support. By promoting policies that foster independence, she seeks to create an environment where people can thrive based on their own efforts and abilities.
Addressing Race and Equality Issues
In her role as Minister of State for Equality, Badenoch has actively engaged with complex discussions surrounding race and inequality in the UK. She defended the government's stance against institutional racism, emphasizing the need for open dialogue on race-related matters. Badenoch noted the immense pressure and backlash faced by those who challenge mainstream narratives on these issues, stating that it can sometimes lead to a chilling effect on political discourse. By advocating for a candid exchange of ideas, she aims to create a more inclusive environment where differing perspectives can be shared without fear of retribution.
Women with Balls has taken a summer break and will be back in September with a new series. Until then, here's an episode from the archives, with current Tory leadership hopeful Kemi Badenoch MP.
Widely seen as one of the Conservative Party’s rising stars upon her election to Parliament in 2017, her star has only continued to rise. Serving under successive PMs, this episode was recorded in May 2022 when she was Minister of State for Local Government, Faith and Communities, and for Equalities. Now many consider her the frontrunner to be Tory leader.
On the podcast, Kemi talks about her childhood in Nigeria and the golden ticket that was her UK passport, hacking Harriet Harman and what it's like to be a 'rising star'.
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