Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, has become the darling of right-wing Britain. Articulate, combative, and unapologetically conservative, she has made a career of dismissing concerns about institutional racism, downplaying the legacy of the British Empire, and railing against so-called “woke” culture. For many, she is a breath of fresh air in a political landscape they feel is suffocating under the weight of diversity, inclusion, and progressive politics. But for others—especially within Black communities—Badenoch is the embodiment of a far more insidious archetype: the modern-day “house negro.”
The term “house negro,” coined by Malcolm X, refers to Black individuals who align themselves with oppressive systems in exchange for personal advancement. Historically, house slaves were granted minor privileges for their loyalty, acting as enforcers of the status quo rather than challengers of it. Today, some critics argue that Kemi Badenoch fits that mold perfectly—using her platform not to uplift the Black community but to discredit its struggles, all while currying favor with the establishment.
A Career Built on Denial
Badenoch has made it clear that she does not believe in institutional racism. In her view, Britain is a meritocracy where hard work determines success, not racial privilege or systemic barriers. This narrative plays well with her predominantly white, Conservative audience, who are eager to hear that racism is a relic of the past. By parroting these lines, Badenoch effectively absolves the British establishment of any responsibility for racial inequality, making her a convenient tool for those who wish to maintain the status quo.
Her stance is not just tone-deaf—it is dangerous. It provides cover for the very real discrimination that Black Britons face in education, employment, policing, and healthcare. When a Black politician tells the world that racism isn’t a problem, it gives legitimacy to policies and attitudes that actively harm Black people.
The Empire Apologist
Badenoch’s willingness to whitewash Britain’s colonial past is another reason she is so beloved by the right. She has repeatedly downplayed the brutality of the British Empire, framing colonialism as a mixed bag rather than a violent system of oppression. This is music to the ears of conservatives who want to reclaim a nostalgic, sanitized vision of Britain’s imperial past.
By refusing to acknowledge the horrors of slavery, exploitation, and racial subjugation, she signals to Britain’s ruling class that they have nothing to atone for. For Black Britons, however, her words feel like a betrayal. They reinforce the idea that their ancestors’ suffering is nothing more than a footnote in history, rather than a defining force that continues to shape modern inequalities.
Tokenism Disguised as Empowerment
The Conservative Party is no stranger to using Black and minority figures as shields against accusations of racism. From Priti Patel to Suella Braverman, the party has perfected the art of parading minority politicians who push right-wing narratives. Badenoch is simply the latest—and arguably most effective—iteration of this strategy.
Her prominence allows the Tories to claim diversity while actively pursuing policies that disproportionately harm ethnic minorities. She is the Conservative dream: a Black woman who passionately argues that race doesn’t matter. This illusion of progress prevents real, structural change from taking place.
The Price of Acceptance
The reality is that Badenoch’s rise within the Conservative Party has come at a cost: the alienation of her own people. Many Black Britons see her not as a role model but as a figure who has sold out for political clout. Instead of using her influence to challenge injustice, she uses it to discredit those who do.
History has shown that figures like Badenoch—who serve as the smiling face of oppression—are ultimately disposable. The moment she steps out of line or becomes inconvenient, the same establishment that praises her today will discard her without hesitation. And when that day comes, she may finally realize that her seat at the table was never secure—it was merely borrowed for as long as she was useful.
A Legacy of Betrayal
Kemi Badenoch’s political career is a case study in opportunism. She has built her brand on denying the struggles of her own community, reassuring white conservatives that racism is a myth, and glorifying an imperial past that saw Black bodies treated as commodities. In doing so, she has won favor with the establishment—but at what cost?
The term “house negro” is harsh, but it is not without merit. It describes a person who willingly upholds systems of oppression for personal gain. Whether Badenoch sees herself this way is irrelevant; what matters is the impact of her words and actions. For many Black Britons, she is not a leader but a cautionary tale—a reminder that not all skinfolk are kinfolk.
