Kemi Badenoch has a reputation for combativeness on culture war issues, but at Prime Minister's Questions, following the murder of teenager Henry Nowak, Sir Keir Starmer thanked her for her 'tone'. This has raised questions about whether the Conservative leader is changing her approach.
Badenoch's response was shaped by events: widespread concern over the police response to Nowak's death, which included the student being handcuffed while bleeding to death after a false accusation of racism, led to rioting. Badenoch urged MPs to 'bring people together, not divide them', differentiating herself from Nigel Farage, who was criticised for his rhetoric on the case.
However, Badenoch has already drawn firm conclusions, writing in the Daily Mail that the police actions were the fault of identity politics, partly due to the Black Lives Matter movement. This echoes her stance as equalities minister, when she oversaw a controversial report downplaying institutional racism. Critics called the report oversimplistic, but Badenoch continues to blame 'identity politics' for the failings in Nowak's case.
Her spokesperson said her certainty stems from her experience during the BLM era and a 'very human reaction' to the bodycam footage as a mother. Despite her strong views, at PMQs she urged calm, not conflict, suggesting a more measured approach.
Supporters point to improving personal poll numbers, but others compare her to William Hague, who had high personal ratings but failed to unite his party. The question of whether Badenoch is evolving as a leader remains complex and long-term.
