Kemi Badenoch’s appointment: Churchill Would Be Turning in His Grave

As Kemi Badenoch rises to lead the Conservative Party in 2024, one can only imagine Winston Churchill turning in his grave at the news. Churchill, who infamously described various races in derogatory terms, once referred to “the indigenous races” of India as “a beastly people,” reflecting the imperial mindset of his era. His disdainful views toward colonised nations starkly contrast with the ground breaking moment represented by Badenoch’s leadership. As Britain grapples with its colonial history, the election of a Black leader in a party historically aligned with such imperialist ideals raises profound questions about progress and the ongoing struggle against the prejudices that Churchill himself once espoused.

This past weekend, Britain celebrated what some hail as a historic achievement: the election of Kemi Badenoch as the first Black leader of the Conservative Party. This milestone, marked by widespread media attention and public interest, reflects a notable shift in representation within a party that has long been perceived as embodying traditional British values. While many see Badenoch’s election as proof of progress, I would question the significance of such a milestone. Over a century since the establishment of modern British political institutions, the first Black leader of the Conservative Party points less to a transformative achievement than to the slow and lingering effects of a colonial mindset that still permeates British politics.

For a country that has played a significant role on the global stage, Britain still makes it a great deal for a coloured person to step into any form of government office role. Though Britain often prides itself on being an inclusive and diverse society, the fact that it has to still celebrate diversity by such an appointment reveals an unwillingness to address that legacy fully. Badenoch’s election highlights the lingering influence of an imperial past.

Britain’s Colonial Legacy

Britain’s colonial past is far from just a historical footnote. This legacy continues to shape British society and politics, and it remains woven into many aspects of contemporary life. As a person of Nigerian descent, Badenoch bears a complex connection to that legacy. During Britain’s colonial rule, Nigeria was subjected to policies that exploited its people and resources, with some of the most damaging policies taking place under Conservative governments.

For instance, British authorities established a system of indirect rule that exploited existing ethnic divisions in Nigeria, reinforcing these differences to maintain control over the population. Nigerians were also forced into the production of cash crops, such as palm oil and cocoa, which fuelled the British economy while creating economic dependency and instability in Nigeria. Colonial authorities enforced heavy taxes on Nigerians, often leading to forced labour on infrastructure projects designed to support British industries. These exploitative policies are particularly tied to Britain’s imperial ambitions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of strong Conservative influence.

A stark example of the violence and brutality of British colonial rule is seen in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, where Igbo women rose up against colonial taxation policies. The British responded with violent force, killing over 50 women and injuring many others. In addition, the Ekumeku Movement, a sustained resistance from Igbo communities in the late 19th century, was met with intense military force from the British, who destroyed villages and killed civilians to stamp out opposition. Such events reveal the violent and exploitative lengths to which Britain went to maintain its colonial rule

Time for an honest reckoning 

Many would like to think that Badenoch, her leadership may bring a new focus on Britain’s role in former colonies, particularly her Nigerian heritage. The party she now leads has a long history tied to British colonialism, and her leadership should reopen discussions on Britain’s approach to its history. Rather than a singular triumph of diversity, Badenoch’s election should remind us of the enduring legacies of colonialism that still influence British political culture.

Ultimately, Britain’s celebration of a Black Tory leader should be tempered with a clear-eyed understanding of why such representation is celebrated in 2024. As much as this milestone signals “progress”, it underscores Britain’s complex relationship with its colonial legacy and the need for a more honest reckoning with that past. Real progress would involve not just symbolic representation but also a committed reflection on the history that has shaped, and in many ways constrained, Britain’s journey towards true equality.     

As Kemi Badenoch steps into her role as the first Black leader of the Conservative Party, she faces the challenge of showing her “White side” to the party. To gain support from the party’s base. Kemi Badenoch has made several controversial statements in her political career, which some critics interpret as attempts to align herself with traditional Conservative values. For example, she has downplayed the significance of Britain’s colonial history, suggesting that the effects are often exaggerated and that the focus should be on aspects of the nation that evoke pride rather than historical grievances. Such remarks have sparked a backlash from historians and activists who view her comments as dismissive of the legitimate concerns surrounding British imperialism. Additionally, Badenoch has criticised the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, labelling it “divisive” and claiming it promotes a victim mentality, a position that has alienated some within the Black British community and disregarded discussions about systemic racism in the UK.

Kemi Badenoch’s ascent to the leadership of the Conservative Party serves as a stark reminder that while one can change the face of political representation, the British legacy of colonialism and racism remains a sacred cow that is often ignored. Regardless of how Black one is, to thrive within the confines of British politics, there is an expectation to conform to a narrative that conveniently overlooks the past atrocities of imperialism. This dynamic illustrates a troubling reality where progress is measured in superficial milestones rather than a genuine reckoning with historical injustices. Badenoch’s leadership, while symbolically significant, is a mere façade that obscures the uncomfortable truths about Britain’s colonial history, reinforcing the notion that, in the eyes of the establishment, some stories are better left untold.