Kemi Badenoch has been urged to “re-think” how the Conservative Party works with civil society after being elected as its leader on Saturday.
Badenoch beat Robert Jenrick to become the party’s first elected leader of the opposition since losing the general election in July.
Reacting to the leadership election result, New Philanthropy Capital policy manager James Somerville said: “With a clear mandate, Kemi now has an opportunity to re-think how the Conservative Party can work effectively alongside civil society.
“We know MPs see the vital impact that charities have in their constituencies. But in recent years, the national debate about the role of charities has been sidetracked by ‘culture war’ disputes.
“As the Conservative Party begin to set out their vision for the future, charities and philanthropists are ready for an open and honest conversation about the role of civil society in developing and delivering policy that works.”
ACEVO chief executive Jane Ide, said: “We congratulate her on her appointment as the first female Black leader of a UK political party in Westminster and look forward to working with her and her shadow cabinet to ensure that the voice of civil society leaders is heard and listened to across both sides of the house for the benefit of all in our society.”
Sarah Elliott, chief executive of NCVO, said: “Our congratulations go to Kemi Badenoch on her appointment as the new leader of the Conservative Party and recognise the importance of seeing a Black woman elected to high office.
“We hope to demonstrate to the leader of the opposition, and her team, the vital role charities play in delivering essential services, and the importance of having a strong and diverse civil society that is able to challenge and campaign to address inequalities and drive sound decision making.”
Engagement with charities as minister
Badenoch was criticised earlier this year for turning down a roundtable meeting with several LGBT+ charities when she was equalities minister.
The Peter Tatchell Foundation had offered to facilitate a roundtable discussion with organisations including Stonewall, Mermaids and the Terrence Higgins Trust.
However, Badenoch turned down the offer and replied that some organisations advocating for LGBT+ equality should consider “the wider impact of the critiques of this government”.
In 2021, she also previously voiced concerns about the Runnymede Trust’s actions in relation to improving race relations.
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