UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has publicly condemned the racist and personal attacks she has faced since her election, describing the backlash as “Kemi derangement syndrome”
Kemi Badenoch has spoken openly about the racism and personal attacks she has endured as the first black woman to lead the Conservative Party. In an interview with The Sunday Times, the Tory leader revealed her surprise at the level of vitriol, having previously praised Britain as a positive place for black citizens.
“There’s a certain cadre of people who clearly can’t cope with the fact that I won this and I’m doing it,” she stated, addressing the criticism that her success was due to diversity policies rather than merit. “The level of personal attacks from anonymous people, it’s hysterical… I think there’s a Kemi derangement syndrome.”
Badenoch highlighted the racist nature of the online abuse, noting, “There’s a lot of ethno-nationalism creeping up, lots of stuff about my race and my ethnicity and the tropes around, ‘well, she couldn’t possibly have done this all by herself’.”
Her comments come amid speculation of a leadership challenge from Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, whose supporters have suggested he could soon replace her. Dismissing the rumours, Badenoch said, “I think it’s wishful thinking… There will always be people who are sore losers.” She defended Jenrick personally, adding, “I think even Rob himself finds it distressing.”
Badenoch, who became leader after the Conservatives’ July 2024 election defeat, faces a critical period as she prepares for her first party conference speech while attempting to unite a party polling in third place at 17%.