The success of the three political leaders should not be seen as a repudiation of the existence of racism itself
If power was just about office, then Britain’s ethnic minorities would appear to have nothing to worry about. Rishi Sunak sits in Downing Street. Humza Yousaf heads Scotland’s devolved government. When Vaughan Gething takes over as the first minister in Wales, he will become the first black leader of a European nation. But the success of the three political leaders should not be seen as a repudiation of the existence of racism itself. Its current toxic persistence has been made obvious by the racist comments about Britain’s first black female parliamentarian, Diane Abbott, by the Tories’ biggest donor.
The difference between the current crop of leaders and the trailblazers of the past is the extent to which they represent a generational shift in the opportunities open to non-white politicians. Parties want to be seen as part of the future, not the past. Having ethnic minorities in top political positions helps convey that message. Mr Yousaf, Mr Gething and Mr Sunak not only express support for change but also embody it. Elected by MPs or members, these three have yet to face the voting public.
