Senior Labour MPs are frustrated by the lack of black representation in No 10 after the Conservatives elected Kemi Badenoch as their new leader. The Labour MPs of color are expressing their disappointment, feeling that the party is not adequately representing black, Asian, and other minority ethnic groups in top government positions. This sentiment was echoed by a senior Labour frontbencher who called it a “serious embarrassment” and a “blind spot” in No 10 to have no senior black staff members, especially when the Conservatives have elected a black woman as their leader.
While there are a few people of color in senior positions at Downing Street, such as Vidhya Alakeson and Rav Athwal, the lack of senior black advisers in Starmer’s team is concerning. The Labour party is seen as lagging behind in electing a woman or a black leader, with it being considered “totally unthinkable” at the moment. Additionally, the absence of a race relations adviser in No 10 is a cause for further frustration among Labour MPs.
Even though a record number of minority ethnic MPs were elected to parliament in July 2024, including a significant number from Labour, concerns remain about the lack of diversity in key positions. David Lammy is currently the only black cabinet minister in Starmer’s government, and there are only two ministers of Asian descent in the Labour cabinet. Some Labour MPs feel that black women like Chi Onwurah and Florence Eshalomi should have been given ministerial roles, and there are also concerns about the reappointment of Asian MPs who resigned over the Gaza issue.
In response to Badenoch becoming the first black leader of a UK party, messages of congratulations were sent by Labour MPs Eshalomi and Lammy. However, Labour MP Dawn Butler faced backlash for a social media post accusing Badenoch of representing “white supremacy in blackface.” Despite the post being deleted, some Tories called for Butler to have the whip removed. Kwasi Kwarteng, the first black chancellor, supported this call, labeling Butler’s actions as “race-baiting” and “insane.”
Badenoch herself has emphasized the importance of focusing on political issues rather than her race, stating that her leadership should highlight the meritocracy within the country and the party. She expressed a desire for people to recognize her for her policies and not just her identity.
Overall, the lack of black representation in No 10 has sparked outrage among senior Labour MPs, highlighting the ongoing struggle for diversity and inclusion in British politics. Despite progress being made with the election of minority ethnic MPs, there is still much work to be done to ensure equal representation at all levels of government.
