Kemi Badenoch will promise to end the requirement for public bodies to promote equality as she aims to counter the rise of Reform UK by positioning her party as both responsible and responsive to public concerns. Badenoch, who served as Conservative equalities minister from 2020 to 2022, plans to abolish the public sector equality duty, which requires organisations to consider ways to advance equality in their operations. In a speech on Tuesday she will argue that this part of the Equality Act enables divisive policies across institutions including the police and the Bank of England. The proposal forms part of her broader effort to oppose identity politics and place the Conservatives between Labour, accused of expanding diversity requirements, and Reform UK, which seeks to repeal the Equality Act entirely. A party statement highlighted examples such as changes to banknotes and police training as evidence of problematic agendas. The Bank of England had cited public consultation results favouring nature and landmarks over historical figures. The announcement follows recent unrest in Southampton after the killing of student Henry Nowak. Downing Street has dismissed suggestions of unequal policing standards. Shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho called for removing identity politics from public services and restoring focus on core duties. Repealing the duty faces opposition from groups concerned about impacts on disability, religion and other areas. The Equality and Human Rights Commission maintains that the duty supports better decision-making without obstructing essential work. Badenoch previously announced plans to review the Equality Act, with supporting legal advice due on Tuesday. The Conservatives contrast their approach with Reform UK’s position, warning it could increase diversity initiatives. Badenoch has also criticised police responses in recent events while receiving praise for measured language.
