Katy Balls wonders whether Tory MPs think “classic Kemi is the antidote the party needs, and one the country can warm to” (The combative ‘anti-woke warrior’: why the Tories are starkly divided over Kemi Badenoch, 2 August). The Tory leadership’s preferences are, of course, a matter for them, but the ascendency of politicians as combative as Kemi Badenoch should concern us all.
Divisiveness may be an unfortunate consequence of policy, but when it is the product of attitude, temperament or inclination, it is surely indefensible – and Badenoch is squarely in the latter category. This matters because the case for improving the tenor of political discourse is undeniable, and its degradation is surely attributable to the kind of dogmatic, tin-eared stridency to which Badenoch owes her reputation.
The ability to understand experiences other than your own; the willingness to be respectful of those with opposing views; and the readiness to model those standards of civility – these are all qualities that we ought to take for granted in our politicians. But the absence of them has almost become a badge of pride for MPs such as Badenoch.
Paul McGilchrist
Cromer, Norfolk
• Kemi Badenoch has let it be known that “she does not care what the Guardian thinks, given that they’re a proponent of the cancel culture that she has repeatedly spoken out against” (Badenoch campaign team member used offensive names about a councillor, 1 August). Perhaps someone should buy her a subscription, safe in the knowledge that she won’t be cancelling it.
Dr Anthony Isaacs
London
• Re Kemi Badenoch’s requests (Kemi Badenoch asked to use taxpayers’ money to pay for holiday flight, sources claim, 31 July), the short, polite answer to rude people is “no”.
Paula Jones
London
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