This response from Kemi Badenoch on #BBCLauraK this morning is 🎯 While we should celebrate and embrace different cultures and backgrounds, we don't want to be a country divided by ethnic or racial lines. The ability to progress should be based on merit & merit alone.

@KemiBadenoch That attitude is why is very best ethnic minority, female, and gay candidates are attracted to the Conservative Party; because we only care about their talent. Whereas the very worst go to Labour to succeed on a DEI tickbox. That's why the best go Tory!

@KemiBadenoch 💯 but it goes both ways. Fact is if Kemi was a white man and said the things she’s said and made the gaffes she has, she wouldn’t have got through to the final 2 let alone won. Her lack of merit and probable lack success will damage or perhaps recalibrate “progress”.

@KemiBadenoch Well said Kemi. I’ve lived in Africa & Singapore. NEVER was I told by my parents to look at others by the colour of their skin. In fact it’s only in the last 10 yrs or so since being told I “must not be colourblind” by constant racebaiters in the media have I found it apparent.

@KemiBadenoch In many public sector settings saying this would get you cancelled and/or fired! @KemiBadenoch is 100% right.

@KemiBadenoch Her whole interview was fabulous! A refreshing change and great to hear actual opinions vs pre-rehearsed Labour sound bite!

@KemiBadenoch We were never asked.

@KemiBadenoch Marvellous - common sense and something everyone should get behind

@KemiBadenoch Why has it taken best part of ten years for this to be such a revelation? Because the victimhood element of race division is so strong. So much easier and gives you more political weight to play the victim rather than take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

@KemiBadenoch Unfortunately she lost me almost immediately when she said Boris Johnson was a great PM. This isn’t moving on but clinging to the mistakes of the past and not calling out really poor leadership.

@KemiBadenoch England For The English