Kemi Badenoch: The battling Boudica who isn’t who you think she is

From battles with the ‘woke’ establishment to being favourite to be next PM, Kemi Badenoch is finally in the driving seat – and ready to pull no punches.

Former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch says she is now comfortable being called a ‘woke warrior’. In the past, she might have bristled at the term, which she has used to describe the liberal, politically correct wing of the Conservative party.

But not now. In fact, she tells The House magazine, she is ‘proud’ to be referred to this way. Perhaps understandably, given that her name has now become synonymous with being the standard bearer for the party’s right flank.

But is Badenoch really the firebrand culture warrior many perceive her to be?

In response to her comments being widely shared on Twitter, she accused her detractors of trying to stitch her up, saying: ‘I really don’t agree with woke ideology. But it’s quite clear they are trying to set me up as the next person to be forced out of the party.

And, as she told The House, she wholeheartedly believes that ‘culture wars’ are nothing new. ‘The idea that somehow this is a new thing, I find that absolutely fascinating – because this is what politics is. This is what the battle of ideas is about.’

Badenoch is not afraid to speak her mind, and she is not afraid to take on the establishment – even her own party’s. She has been a vocal critic of ‘woke’ culture, and she has also spoken out against cancel culture and identity politics.

Her outspokenness has made her a popular figure among some Conservative voters, particularly those who are tired of what they see as the PC brigade taking over the party. But it has also made her a target for criticism from the left, and even from some within her own party.

But, Badenoch is not one to back down from a fight. She is a woman of conviction, and she is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. This was evident in her recent appearance on the BBC’s Question Time programme, when she defended her views on transgender issues.

Badenoch is a complex and fascinating character. She is a woman of strong convictions, but she is also open to changing her mind. She is a passionate advocate for her beliefs, but she is also willing to listen to other people’s views.

She is a rising star in the Conservative party, and she is likely to play a significant role in its future. Whatever your political views, there is no doubt that Kemi Badenoch is a force to be reckoned with.