Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, says she is facing relentless personal attacks rooted in racism and stereotypes about her ethnicity.
Claims of DEI Bias
In an interview with The Times, the British-Nigerian politician said some critics have suggested that her emergence as party leader was solely due to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, rather than her competence.
“There’s a certain group of people who clearly can’t cope with the fact that I won this and I’m doing it. The level of personal attacks from anonymous people is hysterical,” Badenoch said, adding that her detractors often dismiss her achievements as nothing more than a product of DEI.
Racist Stereotypes
She described the insinuations as racist tropes which portray black people as “lazy, corrupt, or mere DEI hires.” Badenoch, who moved to the UK from Nigeria at the age of 16, revealed she has also been targeted with online racist rhetoric and ethno-nationalist comments.
Not a Rival’s Doing
The Conservative leader clarified that Robert Jenrick, her former rival for the party’s leadership, was not responsible for the negative claims. “Even Rob himself finds it distressing,” she said.
Pressure on Leadership
Badenoch has been under increasing pressure as the Conservative Party struggles with low ratings following Labour’s landslide victory under Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year.