July 22nd: Today's Feature

July

Olukemi Olufunto "Kemi" Badenoch, born Adegoke on 2 January 1980, is a prominent figure in British politics. With a successful career in public service, she currently holds the esteemed positions of Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since November 2024. Secretary of State for Business and Trade since 2023, as well as President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equalities since 2022. As a dedicated member of the Conservative Party, she has been representing the constituency of Saffron Walden in Essex as their Member of Parliament (MP) since 2017.

Kemi Badenoch's leadership and commitment to serving her constituents have been widely recognised, making her a respected figure in the political landscape of the United Kingdom. Her roles in promoting business, trade, and gender equality showcase her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society. With her strong track record and unwavering dedication to public service, Kemi Badenoch continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of her community and the nation as a whole.

Early Life

Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke, known as Kemi Badenoch, was born on 2 January 1980 in Wimbledon, London. She comes from a Yoruba background and is the daughter of Femi Adegoke, a GP, and Feyi Adegoke, a professor of physiology. Growing up, she lived in Lagos, Nigeria, and the United States before returning to the UK at the age of 16 due to the political and economic challenges her family faced in Nigeria. Badenoch has a brother and a sister, and her diverse upbringing has shaped her perspective on various issues.

As a member of the Conservative Party, Badenoch has been representing Saffron Walden in Essex as a Member of Parliament since 2017. Her career in politics has been marked by her commitment to promoting women's rights and equality. In addition to her role as Secretary of State for Business and Trade, she also serves as President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equalities. Badenoch's unique background and experiences have influenced her approach to governance, making her a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the political landscape.

Education & Early Career

Ms. Badenoch's academic journey began at Phoenix College in Morden, south London, where she successfully completed her A Levels. During her time at the college, she also worked at a branch of McDonald's, showcasing her dedication and work ethic from an early age. Following her time at Phoenix College, Badenoch pursued a degree in Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex, where she excelled and earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in 2003.

After completing her studies, Badenoch ventured into the IT sector, starting as a software engineer at Logica (later CGI Group) from 2003 to 2006. While gaining valuable experience in the field, she also pursued a part-time Law degree at Birkbeck, University of London, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2009. Her career then took her to roles such as a systems analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, an associate director at Coutts, and a digital director for The Spectator, showcasing her versatility and expertise across different industries.

Beliefs

Badenoch is often perceived as a prominent figure within the right-wing faction of the Conservative Party. However, she has consistently described herself as belonging to the "liberal wing" of the party, emphasising her unique perspective. Despite this, she firmly asserts that she does not align with left-leaning ideologies.

In terms of intellectual influences, Badenoch has openly acknowledged the impact of English philosopher Roger Scruton and American economist Thomas Sowell on her political beliefs. Notably, she has cited Sowell's renowned work, Basic Economics, as a significant source of inspiration. This demonstrates her commitment to a well-informed and evidence-based approach to economic matters.

It is worth noting that Badenoch has been characterised as a social conservative, highlighting her commitment to traditional values and principles. Additionally, she has gained recognition as an 'anti-woke' politician, indicating her opposition to certain aspects of contemporary social justice movements. This stance further solidifies her reputation as a strong advocate for individual liberties and personal responsibility.

Race Relations

In a recent House of Commons debate, Badenoch took a firm stance against the Labour Party's response to a report on race and ethnic disparities in Britain. She criticised Labour for what she deemed as "wilful misrepresentations" of the report's findings and rebuked former frontbench MP Dawn Butler for accusing the report authors of "gaslighting on a national scale". Badenoch emphasised the importance of engaging in respectful dialogue and avoiding derogatory terms like "racial slurs" when discussing differing viewpoints on race-related issues.

Furthermore, Badenoch has been vocal about her opposition to teaching white privilege and critical race theory in primary and secondary schools. She firmly stated the government's position against presenting these concepts as uncontested facts, emphasising the need for a balanced treatment of opposing views in educational settings. Her speech on critical race theory in 2020 was recognised by ConservativeHome readers as the 'speech of the year', highlighting her commitment to upholding the law and promoting open discussions on sensitive topics in schools.

In a thought-provoking article for The Times in 2022, Badenoch continued to challenge prevailing narratives on identity politics. She argued that identity politics undermines British values by focusing on group identities rather than individual rights and tolerance. By critiquing the divisive nature of identity politics, Badenoch demonstrated her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful society based on shared values and principles. Her unwavering stance on these issues showcases her dedication to promoting constructive dialogue and understanding in the public discourse.

Honours & Legacy

Badenoch identifies herself as an agnostic who holds cultural Christian values, drawing inspiration from her maternal grandfather who served as a Methodist minister in Nigeria. This unique blend of beliefs and experiences has shaped her worldview and approach to life.

In a personal tragedy, Badenoch's father, Femi, passed away in February 2022. To grieve and honour her father's memory, she took a temporary break from her ministerial responsibilities. This period of bereavement allowed her to reflect, heal, and find solace during a challenging time.

Following her appointment as a cabinet minister, Badenoch underwent the customary swearing-in ceremony as a privy counsellor at Buckingham Palace on 13 September 2022. This prestigious event bestowed upon her the esteemed title of "The Right Honourable" for the rest of her life, recognising her dedication and commitment to public service. This honorific prefix serves as a testament to her achievements and signifies her elevated status within the political sphere.

Ms. Badenoch has consistently shown her dedication to creating a society that is more inclusive and respectful, built on common values and principles. Her firm stance on these important issues highlights her unwavering commitment to encouraging positive conversations and mutual understanding within the community. By actively promoting constructive dialogue, she is paving the way for a more harmonious and cohesive society where everyone's voices are heard and respected.