In a candid new memoir, Sajid Javid, the former Home Secretary, revisits the challenging experiences of his youth, illuminating the stark contrast between his troubled beginnings and his rise to prominence in UK politics. Titled *The Colour of Home*, the book chronicles his transformation from a young delinquent caught in petty crime to a senior government official committed to public service.
A Troubling Start
At just 13, Javid found himself in police custody alongside his younger brother, Bas, after they were apprehended for stealing from amusement machines. This pivotal moment could have set them on a path of crime, but it instead catalysed a profound change in Javid’s life choices. “I loved it. The pleasure was that you could make money from these machines,” he reminisces, reflecting on their misguided justification for their actions, which included cheating fruit machines with a clever tool.
The gravity of their situation struck home when their father, upon learning of their arrest, expressed his despair in tears, pleading for leniency with the police. Ultimately, the boys were given a second chance — a moment Javid credits with altering the trajectory of his life. “I’d say thank you. You changed my life,” he expresses when asked about the officer who showed them mercy.
The Complexities of Family and Race
Javid’s memoir does not shy away from the harsh realities of his upbringing, including the brutality he faced from his father, who would physically discipline him in a manner he now acknowledges as abusive. “I used to think, how can you love somebody and hit them?” he reflects, providing a poignant insight into the complexities of familial love intertwined with pain.
Racism also looms large in his narrative, with vivid accounts of the discrimination he and his family faced in 1970s Britain. From schoolyard altercations to the prejudice displayed by adults, Javid’s experiences underscore the societal challenges that shaped his worldview. His relationship with his eventual wife, Laura, a white Christian, faced hurdles from his family, who had arranged a marriage for him with a cousin. However, as time passed, his family grew to embrace her, a testament to evolving attitudes within his household.
Political Journey and Reflections
After a successful career in banking, Javid entered politics, ultimately serving in various high-profile government roles including Chancellor and Health Secretary. His tenure, however, was marred by controversies and disillusionment, particularly during Boris Johnson’s leadership, from which he resigned twice due to concerns over integrity. “If I didn’t have confidence in the prime minister, I can’t work honestly with integrity for the government,” he states, highlighting the ethical dilemmas he faced.
Despite the ups and downs, Javid feels a sense of pride in his achievements, though he admits to a lingering ambition to have become Prime Minister. “I wanted to be prime minister. And I tried,” he reflects, revealing a competitive spirit that drove him throughout his career.
Continuing the Conversation
Today, Javid engages in charity work and various private sector roles, focusing on issues of community cohesion and mental health. He remains concerned about the current political climate, urging parties to be mindful of their rhetoric and its potential divisiveness. “There is a danger we will [go backwards],” he warns, reflecting on the contemporary rise of populism.
His story, encapsulated in *The Colour of Home*, serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the potential for personal growth. It stands as both an intimate memoir and a broader narrative of hope, illustrating how one can rise above adversity to effect change.
Why it Matters
Sajid Javid’s memoir is not simply a reflection on his past; it is a call to acknowledge the complexities of identity, race, and the human experience within the context of modern Britain. His journey from a troubled youth to a prominent political figure underscores the importance of second chances and the potential for transformative change, resonating with anyone who has faced adversity. As Britain grapples with its socio-political challenges, Javid’s story offers a beacon of hope for those striving to overcome their circumstances.
