Kemi Badenoch expressed her support for awarding JK Rowling a peerage due to their shared beliefs on trans issues. The Tory leadership candidate praised the Harry Potter author and criticized anti-trans activists who have faced attacks from various individuals.
When asked if she would offer Rowling a seat in the House of Lords, Badenoch confirmed that she would, although she was unsure if Rowling would accept the honor. Peerages are typically appointed on the Prime Minister’s advice, but opposition party leaders can also recommend peers from their parties.
Badenoch’s statements came ahead of a televised debate with her Tory leadership race rival, Robert Jenrick, on GB News. Despite her lower profile earlier in the race, Badenoch expressed confidence in her campaign and believed she would emerge victorious.
During a Q&A session with Tory members, Badenoch addressed various issues, including the competition with Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats for Conservative voters. She highlighted the need for Conservatives to regain support lost to Reform UK to counter the threat posed by the Lib Dems.
In response to questions about leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address migration challenges, Badenoch emphasized the need to reform certain UK laws first. She mentioned potential reforms to the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act, which she identified as legacies of former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s constitutional settlement.
By offering insights into her views on key issues and outlining her campaign strategy, Badenoch positioned herself as a candidate focused on grassroots engagement rather than media campaigns. Her support for Rowling’s peerage and her stance on legal reforms demonstrate her commitment to addressing important societal issues and shaping future policies.