Please see the email below from our MP, Kemi Badenoch, regarding her decision to stand in the Party's leadership election.
Dear Members
Many of you will have seen my resignation letter to the Prime Minister last week following a particularly tumultuous few days.
It was with great regret and sadness that I made this decision. It has been an honour being Equalities and Local Government Minister and a privilege to work with great ministerial colleagues and civil servants on important issues we face here in the constituency and across the country.
It had become increasingly clear that the Government could not function given the issues that had come to light and the way in which they had been handled. Whilst I know many members recognise and admire the Prime Minister’s fortitude, stamina, and enduring optimism, for the good of the Party and the country it was right for him to step aside.
I have been reflecting on the future of the Party over the last few months. We have so much to be proud of. However, despite the great success of the vaccine rollout, supporting Ukraine and our exit from the European Union, there is a strong sense amongst voters that things aren’t working.
Following the Prime Minister’s resignation, I have decided to stand in the Party’s leadership contest.
I know many of you have become exhausted with the platitudes and empty rhetoric. What is missing is the intellectual grasp of what is required to run the country.
We know our problems here are not unique. But by promising too much and trying to solve every problem, politicians don’t reassure and inspire, we disappoint and drive disillusion.
One of my heroes is the American Thinker Thomas Sowell, who said that “if you want to help people, tell them the truth; if you want to help yourself, tell them what they want to hear.” I’m putting myself forward in this leadership election because I want to tell the truth and I have a clear vision on how we can run this country effectively in an era of increased polarisation, protectionism and populism amplified by social media.
I am so grateful for the support I have received thus far locally, within the Party and across the country on my bid.
Over the weekend I shared my article in The Times on my decision to stand - I have attached it to this email in case you haven’t seen it (www.thetimes.co.uk/article/kemi-badenoch-i-want-to-set-us-free-by-telling-people-the-truth-85sk8prm9). I also spoke to the Telegraph and the interview can be found here: www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/07/09/kemi-badenoch-late-father-taught-responsibility/
If you have any queries or concerns as always, please email me at kemi.badenoch.mp@parliament.uk
Kemi
