KThe election of emi Badenoch as leader of the Conservative Party may have been somewhat overshadowed by the US election, but it still represents a political milestone. To some, her positioning as a “culture warrior” is not proof that the Conservative Party is changing but that a new look has replaced old instincts.
Here, the Guardian asks black and ethnic minority activists, as well as members of the public and politicians, what having a black leader means to the Conservative Party.
Ross Griffith
Windrush activist, Brixton, south London
Ross Griffiths said Badenock’s election was an “undeniable historic achievement, but we must look beyond that”.
She said: “I just don’t think her leadership shows any change in the Conservative Party’s reprehensible policies. [that] Created a hostile environment for the Windrush Generation.
“For 14 years, her party’s views and policies have done damage — that’s what I’ve seen. I’m not going to dance in the streets. If she works to dismantle systems that disproportionately oppress black and brown people, then she might will get my attention.
Charles Kwaku-Odoi
Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean and African Health Network
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, from Manchester, said Badenock’s success “is great news because representation matters” and that she can inspire.
“The black community is not homogenous; we cannot simply assume that the black faces around the table necessarily represent everyone’s perspective,” he said. “We want her to actively listen, study the evidence and understand the disparities that black people face.”
“In the black community, there are going to be people who are privileged — and it’s also about understanding those privileges compared to people who have never really felt like their voices mattered.”
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PhD students and Founder Colchester’s black lives matter move
Sophie Kabangu said Badenock’s victory “felt hollow”.
“This is not a win for Black people – her representation means nothing when her views support harmful ideologies. Her public admiration for Trump and unwavering support for Israel’s actions are just a sign of her Position. When leaders perpetuate systems of oppression, their identity does not matter.
Samuel Kasum
Boris Johnson’s former race adviser
Samuel Kasumu, Boris Johnson’s race adviser who resigned in 2021, said: “Typically Conservatives are very keen on meritocracy, so when someone has nothing to do with the people they care about When something resonates, it resonates with the person, regardless of their skin color or color.
He said the Conservatives still faced the challenge of engaging with wider society, showing empathy and developing a unified agenda.
“If this is a priority, then under Kemi it could happen. But the first thing a leader has to decide is: ‘What coalition am I most likely to assemble that will allow me to win?’ “
Sander Katwala
Director of British Future Think Tank
“Her election reflects something very positive about British public life. Ethnic diversity at the top levels is now a common thing – home secretary, chancellor, foreign secretary and leaders,” Sander Carter Valla said.
“It’s an opening for black and Asian people who qualify as ‘groups’ – but it’s not the same as opening up across class lines.”
Kavala said that while Labor was “performing better overall”, the Conservatives had stepped up efforts to diversify, although that would not necessarily translate into large numbers of black and Asian votes.
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Lee Jasper
activist
Lifelong activist Lee Jasper said Badenock’s “relentless push” showed that “you can go a long way” if you are “prepared to talk about uncomfortable extremist politics”.
“One thing is for sure, the Conservatives, led by Badenock, are testing Labour’s condescending rhetoric on diversity,” he said.
He added that with Badenock “being hounded to the right by Nigel Farage” he feared “a race to the bottom would not bode well for black, Asian and migrant communities, and Enoch Powell Divisive politics will return.”
Albi Amancona
Broadcaster and Vice President of LGBT+ Conservative Outreach
Albi Amancona said: “[Badenoch] She’s right when she says, “I hope we can get to a point in time where a person’s race no longer matters more than the color of their eyes.”
“Honestly, I do think she’s the best person for the job. She happens to be black. What does that mean for other parties? The Conservatives have proven time and time again that we can have non-white heterosexual people in the office without any problem Take power.
Selma Taha
managers directorsouthall black sisters
Thelma Taha of Southall Black Sisters, an organization that fights violence against women, said Badnock’s appointment was an important political moment that “raises the question: is representation only for black, minority ethnic groups?” and victory for immigrant communities”.
She said: “Badnock’s positions on issues such as institutional racism, immigration and support for the Rwanda Project reflect policies that challenge the well-being and safety of the communities we support.
“We hope that under her leadership the Conservative Party will … adopt policies that respect the rights, dignity and humanity of all people.”
Josh Barbarinde
Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne
Josh Babarinde described this parliament as “more diverse” than any before.
“It’s really important for young people to be able to look at any area of life… and believe they can achieve it,” he said. “But beyond the important identity, what people want is delivery.
“Kemi is passionate about not talking about identity, but about substance. In terms of substance, I’m not sure how good this record is.
