From Middle Class Roots to Working Class Reality: Kemi Badenoch Reflects on Life-Changing Teen Job Amidst Conservative Leadership Race

Kemi Badenoch asserts that she entered the working class when she took a position at McDonald's during her teen years. The ex-business secretary is competing with three others to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party.

Political correspondent @FaithLRidler

Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:

Kemi Badenoch has stated that although she was raised in a middle-class household, she transitioned to a working-class status when she started working at McDonald's during her teenage years.

The ex-business secretary, now vying for the leadership of the Conservative Party, spoke of the "humility" found in her first job at 16, which involved cleaning bathrooms and flipping burgers.

She shared with Christopher Hope on Chopper's Political Podcast that her stint at McDonald's marked the "first time I really engaged with individuals who weren't from the same background as mine."

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Ms. Badenoch stated, "Although I was raised in a middle-class household, I entered the working class at age 16 when I started working at McDonald's."

"Grasping the number of single parents who were employed there, striving to provide for their families."

"The passage also speaks to a sense of humility. You were the one cleaning the toilets; there were no designated cleaning crews for that. You had to scrub the toilets, cook burgers on the grill, and manage cash transactions."

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Her remarks spread rapidly on the internet, and a Labour MP challenged Ms. Badenoch's assertion that she "became working class".

In a snippet shared from the podcast, Chris Bryant, representing Rhondda and Ogmore as an MP, expressed doubts by stating, "I'm not sure that's how it works."

While discussing his background, Irvine Welsh, known for his novel "Trainspotting," remarked, "I grew up in a council estate, but I ascended to the upper class the moment I began shoplifting at Harrods. It's all about initiative."

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Badenoch 'always avoids blunders'

Further into the conversation, Ms. Badenoch stated that she "never makes blunders" or needs to "say sorry for anything."

She noted, "I don't need to explain myself often, as I always consider my words carefully."

What is the process for the leadership race?

The ex-commerce chief is among the four contenders left vying for the leadership of the Conservative Party, following Rishi Sunak's departure.

The other candidates include Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick, and James Cleverly.

At the upcoming Conservative Party conference, the four contenders are set to deliver brief remarks before Members of Parliament cast their votes to narrow the field to two finalists.

The Tory party membership is set to choose a new leader, anticipated to take place in November.

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