(2026-01-25 02:54:00) — Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative Member of Parliament, recounted anecdotes about her entry into politics and her family’s reactions, highlighting her commitment to authenticity.
Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch shared personal stories about her path to politics and the differing views of her parents regarding her career choice.
- Badenoch won the Essex seat of Saffron Walden for the Conservatives in 2017.
- She described using humor and honesty to gain the support of local Conservatives despite having no prior ties to the area.
- Her father encouraged her political ambitions, while her mother expressed reservations about a career in politics.
Badenoch began her parliamentary career after winning the Essex seat of Saffron Walden for the Conservatives in 2017, according to the remarks she made. When asked how she secured the candidacy despite lacking local connections, Badenoch said, “They tell me that I was funny, I was very honest, I wasn’t trying to be something I wasn’t.”
Gaining Local Support
Badenoch explained her initial approach to the local Conservative members, stating, “I started off by saying I could pretend that my family has been here since, you know, the Battle of Hastings, but I don’t think anyone here would believe me – and they just burst out laughing.” She added that they later told her she was “just herself,” and that this resonated with the local community, noting, “Essex is like that. Essex is very much my personality – I call myself an Essex girl.”
Family Reactions
Badenoch shared insights into her family’s response to her political career. She said her father, who died in 2022 shortly before she first ran for the Conservative leadership, was supportive, telling her, “I know you’re going to go all the way.”
In contrast, Badenoch described her mother’s reaction as one of concern. “She was like, why would you do this… you’ve got a good job… why do you want to go into this horrible career,” Badenoch recounted. Her mother, she explained, held a negative view of politicians, believing they were self-serving. “She had a very, very dim view of politicians thinking they were all out for themselves… so I think part of what I’m trying to do now in politics is to prove to her that politicians can be good people.”
“Essex is very much my personality – I call myself an Essex girl.” — Kemi Badenoch
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by [Outlet Name] and added independent analysis and context.
