Kemi Badenoch, the often-controversial leader of the British Conservative Party, recently candidly shared her thoughts on faith in an interview with The Free Press, a prominent US media outlet. In a moment that has since sparked widespread discussion, she revealed a significant shift in her belief system, stating, “I don’t believe in God anymore.”
However, Badenoch quickly clarified the nuances of her perspective, asserting that she does not identify as an atheist. Instead, she describes herself as agnostic, reflecting her openness to questioning and exploration rather than outright denying the divine. “I used to believe in God very much,” she confided, “but now I consider myself a cultural Christian.”
Her thoughts extended beyond mere labels. “I don’t think it matters if people believe in God,” she continued, emphasising the importance of actions over beliefs. “What matters is what they do with the belief or the lack of it.”
Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s journey has been rich in cultural interplay. After marrying a Scottish banker, she adopted his surname, symbolising a blend of her diverse heritage. Her formative years in Nigeria shaped her identity, and she returned to the UK at 16, a transition that further influenced her views on faith and belonging.
Badenoch’s evolving relationship with spirituality reflects broader themes of identity and belief in contemporary society, inviting many to reflect on their journeys and the meanings they ascribe to faith in their lives.