Kemi Badenoch: I’m British, Not Nigerian, By Identity.
Kemi Badenoch, a prominent British politician and former leadership contender for the Conservative Party, has sparked conversation with her recent remarks about her national identity. Speaking at a public event, the MP for North West Essex clarified that while she was born in Nigeria and spent part of her childhood there, she identifies unequivocally as British.
Badenoch, whose full name is Olukemi Olufunto Badenoch, was born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents but raised partly in Lagos before returning to the UK at 16. Her comments came in response to questions about her heritage and how it shapes her political outlook. “By identity, I’m not really Nigerian,” she stated. “I’m British. That’s how I see myself, and that’s the lens through which I approach my work and my life.”
The 45-year-old politician, who served as Business Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities under Rishi Sunak’s government, has often spoken about her upbringing and the values that drive her. She credits her time in Nigeria with instilling a strong work ethic and resilience, but she emphasised that her sense of belonging is rooted in the UK. “I’m a product of British society,” she said. “My experiences growing up, my education, my career—all of that is grounded here. That’s what defines me.”
Badenoch’s statement has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praise her for her clarity and commitment to her British identity, seeing it as a reflection of her integration into and love for the UK. Others, however, have questioned whether her remarks distance her from her Nigerian heritage, prompting discussions about the complexities of dual identity in modern Britain. Badenoch has previously addressed such debates, noting that identity is personal and multifaceted, and she rejects any expectation to fit into a singular cultural narrative.
Her political journey has been marked by a rapid rise within the Conservative Party. Elected as an MP in 2017, Badenoch gained prominence for her forthright views on issues like free speech, economic policy, and cultural debates. During the 2022 Conservative leadership contest, she emerged as a strong contender, earning support from the party’s right wing for her advocacy of traditional conservative values and her critique of “woke” culture. Although she did not win, her campaign elevated her profile, positioning her as a key figure in the party’s future.
The MP’s comments also come at a time when discussions about immigration, identity, and belonging are at the forefront of British politics. Badenoch has consistently argued for a cohesive national identity that transcends ethnic or cultural backgrounds, while acknowledging the contributions of diverse communities to the UK’s fabric. “Britain is a place where you can be who you want to be,” she said. “It’s about shared values, not where you were born.”
As the Conservative Party navigates its post-election landscape, Badenoch remains a polarising yet influential voice. Her latest remarks underscore her determination to define herself on her own terms, while continuing to shape the national conversation on identity and integration. Whether her stance will bolster her standing or spark further debate, one thing is clear: Kemi Badenoch is a politician unafraid to speak her mind.
