Kemi Badenoch has told Christian members of the Conservative Party that protecting the “responsibility and dignity of work” is a Christian imperative.  

The party leader was delivering the Conservative Christian Fellowship’s annual Wilberforce Address.

Badenoch asserted that – although she only identifies as a cultural Christian – her politics has been shaped by Christianity throughout her upbringing, and her marriage to a Catholic.  

“St Paul, we read, in the first Epistle to Timothy proclaims that: ‘Anyone who does not provide for his own household … is worse than an unbeliever,’” she said.

“The Christian recognition that we all have duties … To ourselves, to our families and to the community we are part of. Conservatives believe in making work pay, in rewarding risk, in ensuring effort matches reward.”

Badenoch claimed that it was “morally right” for the benefits system to act as a “trampoline, not a trap” and should propel people “back on their feet”.

Former Conservative MP and member of the CCF, David Burrowes, told Premier Christian News that it was a candid speech. 

“She’s being honest, and not trying to hide behind a pseudo-faith," he said. "She believes that the Christian foundations of a society are good for all… even if she doesn’t profess a faith.”

The leader of the opposition also joined President Donald Trump, in calling out the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, where she spent much of her childhood.

“She respects the freedom of all who believe,” Burrowes said.

He encouraged prayer for Badenoch: “One of the hardest jobs in politics is being the leader of the opposition, particularly after a catastrophic defeat… Whether you like them or not, let’s continue to pray for our politicians.”