Kemi Badenoch, minister for equalities, has praised former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for her achievements in breaking down barriers for women and ethnic minorities in politics. Badenoch, who is of Nigerian descent, credited Thatcher for paving the way for her own career in politics.
However, despite her admiration for Thatcher, Badenoch is currently facing a fight with senior Conservative Party figures over her handling of the government’s anti-racism agenda. The minister has been criticized by some party grandees for not doing enough to address racial inequality and discrimination in the UK.
Badenoch has defended her record, pointing to the government’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in society. She has also emphasized the importance of individual responsibility and hard work in overcoming barriers to success.
The minister’s comments come at a time when the Conservative Party is facing increasing scrutiny over its approach to race and diversity. Critics have accused the party of failing to take meaningful action to address racial inequality and discrimination within its ranks.
Despite the criticism, Badenoch remains a rising star within the Conservative Party. She has been tipped as a potential future leader and has won praise for her work on promoting social mobility and educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.
Overall, Kemi Badenoch’s praise for Margaret Thatcher highlights the ongoing debate within the Conservative Party about how best to tackle racial inequality and discrimination. The minister’s comments also underscore the challenges facing minority politicians in a predominantly white and male-dominated political landscape.
