By Abbati Bako,Political Strategy and Communication Consultant
In democratic system the issue of who you are or your color, religion, sectional or background is not what matters most. What matters most is your competence, merit, knowledge, honesty, accountability and all other leadership qualities that are needed in a leader. Leadership is between vision and practicality. Meaning that, what do you visualize and how can you put that vision into practice?
Rishi Sunak was the immediate past Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and he is of Indian origin. But he was elected Conservative Party leader before the party lost the election this year 2024 to the Labour Party. That’s democracy for you.
Once again, the Conservative Party made another history this week for electing another non white race as a Parliamentary leader. She is Kemi and originated from Lagos, Nigeria.
Who is Kemi?
Her fascinating history:
Born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke on January 2, 1980, in Wimbledon, London, she’s a British politician who has made waves in the Conservative Party.
Early Life and Education:
Kemi spent her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, and later moved to the United States, where her mother lectured. At age 16, she returned to the UK and lived with a family friend due to Nigeria’s deteriorating political and economic situation. She studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Sussex, completing her Master of Engineering degree in 2003, and later earned a Law degree from Birkbeck, University of London, in 2009.
Career:
Before entering politics, Kemi worked as a software engineer, systems analyst, and consultant. She joined the Conservative Party in 2005 and contested the Dulwich and West Norwood constituency in 2010. In 2015, she became a member of the London Assembly, replacing Victoria Borwick.
Parliamentary Career:
Kemi was elected as the Conservative MP for Saffron Walden in 2017 and later became the MP for North West Essex. She held various positions, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, and Minister for Women and Equalities.
Leadership Roles:
In 2022, Kemi ran for Conservative Party leader but was eliminated in the fourth round. However, she later endorsed Rishi Sunak and became Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade under his leadership. Following the 2024 general election, Kemi was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and eventually became the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party. Most likely, Kemi may one day be the first black Prime Minister of the UK.
Congratulations and all the best in the near future for Kemi Badenoch
Abbati Bako,University of Kent-Alumni and the UK’s European University
