Kemi Badenoch, MP, the new leader of the Conservative Party, is agnostic but pro-Christian.

Born in Wimbledon to Nigerian parents, she identifies as agnostic, but describes herself as a “cultural Christian”—someone who aligns with Christian values without a personal faith. Her family background, which she describes as “sort of Anglican and Methodist,” instilled these values.

Married to a Catholic, she is raising her two children in the Catholic Church and jokingly calls herself an “honorary Catholic.”

Badenoch’s stance on religious freedom came into the spotlight recently when she defended Scottish politician Kate Forbes’ right to express Christian views on social issues. While Badenoch supports same-sex marriage, she opposed efforts to marginalise Forbes over her religious beliefs.

She argued strongly for free expression, adding: “I’m not religious at all, but I understand it. I grew up in a very religious country, so I understand what it means to people and how they live their lives. Stopping people from saying what they really feel is overly draconian.”