Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, has a reputation for combative culture war rhetoric, but during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, she struck a notably conciliatory tone following the murder of teenager Henry Nowak. Keir Starmer even thanked her for her approach. However, this shift may be more tactical than transformative.
Badenoch's Response to the Nowak Case
The murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed by police while bleeding to death after being falsely accused of racism, sparked widespread outrage and riots in Southampton. Badenoch urged unity, stating, "It is the responsibility of everyone in this house to bring people together, not divide them." Starmer responded positively, thanking her for her tone.
However, Badenoch's comments also reflected her longstanding critique of identity politics. In a Daily Mail article, she blamed the police's actions on the influence of movements like Black Lives Matter, calling for the removal of identity politics from state institutions. This stance aligns with her work as equalities minister under the previous Conservative government, where she oversaw a controversial report downplaying institutional racism.
Differentiation from Nigel Farage
Badenoch also sought to distinguish herself from Nigel Farage, who faced condemnation for his rhetoric on the case. The Nowak family had urged politicians not to exploit the tragedy for division.
Leadership Assessment
Supporters argue Badenoch is improving, pointing to rising personal poll ratings despite the Conservatives trailing Reform UK in some surveys. Critics, however, question her long-term impact. Former Boris Johnson aide Lee Cain compared her to William Hague, noting that high approval ratings alone are insufficient without a clear party message.
Badenoch's spokesperson emphasized her human reaction to the bodycam footage, describing her response as that of a mother imagining her son in such a situation. While her call for calm at PMQs was notable, her firm ideological convictions remain unchanged.
