THE MOST DIVERSE CABINET IN HISTORY ? OR IS IT ?
Gabrielle Austen-Browne , founder of Diversity Alliance and co-founder of Diverse Speaker Bureau , talks representation in government
’ m sure for many who care about diversity , the announcement of a female Prime Minister in Liz Truss , with the most diverse cabinet to date , would seem like a victory right ? Most recently , following her resignation , the UK has also seen its first Asian Prime Minister in Rishi Sunak .
When Liz Truss was in power , four of the leading roles , including that of the Prime Minister , were held by two women , and three ( before the sacking of the chancellor - Kwasi Kwarteng ) by people of colour , while the post of Deputy Prime Minister was also held by a woman . A massive step in the right direction for gender equality and a diverse government … or was it ?
Since then much has changed , but technically , much also remains the same . I don ’ t believe that this is a victory for diversity - because while the top team
“ If our government leaders don ’ t include a variety of people from different backgrounds … then how can they truly represent the people of the country ?”
Gabrielle Austen-Browne
includes more women and people of colour , it is also one of the most socially exclusive of recent times , with the highest proportion attending private school in more than 25 years . We may share the same skin colour as our politicians , have the same sexual orientation or be the same sex , but that doesn ’ t necessarily mean they represent our experiences or political values .
Time and time again we have seen evidence that just because someone is from a minority group , it doesn ’ t mean they want to improve the lives of the given minority . It ’ s rare to see their place of privilege being utilised to uplift others , in fact we see quite the opposite .
Take former Home Secretary Priti Patel ’ s stance on refugee policies , and now those of her successor Suella Braverman , who is expected to take an even harder line on immigration . Take Therese Coffey ’ s worrying views on abortion rights , or how about Rishi Sunak , who bragged about funneling public cash from ‘ deprived urban areas ’ and giving it to more affluent towns ?
If our government leaders don ’ t include a variety of people from different backgrounds , with varied lived experiences that are reflective of the current population , then how can they truly represent the people of the country ? I understand why these people are grasping so tightly onto their positions of power and privilege , because it ’ s scarce for minorities and particularly ethnic minorities to have them in the first place . This is sad .
So , until laws change , legislation is brought in , and systemic inequality is eradicated , ‘ minorities ’ in positions of power will not be ‘ leaving the door open ’ or ‘ dropping the rope ladder over ’ for their communities , in fact it looks like they will make their lives worse .
Those were my immediate thoughts on the ‘ celebrated ’ diversity of the government . CN
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