Kemi Badenoch

Kemi Badenoch is a British politician currently serving as the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and President of the Board of Trade, since 2023. Her rise within the Conservative Party has been relatively swift, marked by a reputation for a forthright style and a strong commitment to free market principles.

Born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents, Badenoch spent her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK at the age of 16. This experience shaped her views on economic development and the role of government. She holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Sussex and a law degree from Birkbeck, University of London. Before entering politics, she worked as a systems engineer at Logica and later as an associate director at Coutts, a private bank.

Badenoch’s political career began in local government. She was elected to the London Assembly in 2015, representing the constituency of Havering and Redbridge. During her time on the Assembly, she served on various committees, including the Transport Committee and the Environment Committee.

In 2017, she was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Saffron Walden. Almost immediately, she began making her mark in Parliament. Her early roles included serving on the Exiting the European Union Select Committee. She quickly gained a reputation as a rising star within the Conservative Party, known for her articulate defense of Brexit and her conservative social and economic views.

Badenoch held several junior ministerial positions before ascending to the Cabinet. These included Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. In these roles, she demonstrated a commitment to fiscal responsibility and a willingness to challenge established orthodoxies.

In July 2022, Badenoch ran for leader of the Conservative Party following Boris Johnson’s resignation. While she did not win, her campaign was surprisingly successful, gaining significant support from Conservative MPs and members. Her platform focused on limited government, lower taxes, and individual liberty. Her performance in the leadership debates further enhanced her profile and cemented her position as a prominent voice within the party.

As Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Badenoch is responsible for promoting British trade and investment and supporting businesses across the country. One of her key priorities is negotiating new trade deals with countries around the world following Brexit. She is also a strong advocate for regulatory reform and reducing the burden of red tape on businesses.

Badenoch is often described as a conservative and a free marketeer. She is a vocal critic of “woke” ideology and has spoken out against cancel culture. She is also a strong supporter of free speech and individual liberty. Her views have often drawn both praise and criticism, making her a figure of considerable debate in British politics.