Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, is positioning herself against both Labour and Reform UK by launching an aggressive campaign against what she terms “identity politics.” In a bid to appeal to a broader base while countering populist sentiments, Badenoch has announced her intention to abolish the public sector equality duty (PSED), arguing that it fuels divisive agendas within public institutions.
A Bold Move Against Equality Legislation
During a speech set for Tuesday, Badenoch will outline her plans to dismantle the PSED—a legal requirement compelling public bodies to actively promote equality in their operations. This announcement is a direct response to growing pressures from Reform UK, which has threatened to erode Conservative support by appealing to disillusioned voters on the right.
Badenoch, who previously served as Minister for Equalities from 2020 to 2022, contends that the PSED has been misused to advance harmful narratives, citing specific examples within public institutions ranging from the police to the Bank of England. She argues that the application of this duty has led to policies that detract from effective governance and social cohesion.
In her words, “From the Bank of England taking Winston Churchill off banknotes to police training that suggests officers should not treat all individuals equally, the PSED is being wielded to promote dangerous and divisive agendas.”
The Backlash from Key Stakeholders
Badenoch’s plans are set against a backdrop of rising political tensions in the UK, following the violent murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton, which has ignited public discourse around race and policing. Critics, including Claire Coutinho, the shadow minister for equalities, have echoed Badenoch’s call to eliminate identity politics from public service, advocating for a return to “common sense” and fairness under the law.
However, the proposal to abolish the PSED is unlikely to be met with universal approval. Advocates for equality across various sectors—gender, disability, race, and religion—have voiced concerns that scrapping this duty would undermine vital protections against discrimination and harassment. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has highlighted the PSED’s role in ensuring public bodies provide equitable services to all citizens.
The EHRC’s new chair, who has researched the PSED extensively, argues that evidence points to its positive influence on equality practices within public authorities. The commission has reaffirmed that the PSED does not impede the ability of public bodies to fulfil their obligations to the public.
Political Strategy Amidst Rising Extremism
Badenoch’s rhetoric comes at a time when extreme views are increasingly gaining traction in British politics. She has publicly distanced herself from Nigel Farage’s calls for “pure cold rage” in response to recent events, a move that has garnered some unexpected praise from Labour leader Keir Starmer for her measured tone. Yet, her commentary linking police actions to identity politics suggests a calculated attempt to rally right-wing support while maintaining an image of moderation.
Badenoch’s strategy appears to be a balancing act, attempting to position the Conservative Party as a stable alternative to both Labour’s perceived bureaucracy and Reform’s radical proposals. This includes an initiative she announced earlier this year to establish a “culture and integration commission,” aimed at overhauling existing equality legislation. Legal advice on repealing the PSED is set to be published alongside her speech, further solidifying her commitment to this contentious agenda.
Why it Matters
Badenoch’s proposed repeal of the public sector equality duty signals a significant shift in Conservative Party policy, aiming to capitalise on populist discontent while challenging established norms around equality and inclusion. This move could have profound implications for civil rights protections in the UK, potentially paving the way for a broader rejection of equality legislation. In a time of heightened societal division, this strategy raises critical questions about the future of public service commitments to equality and the potential consequences for vulnerable communities across the nation.