Sajid Javid's Candid Memoir: From Childhood Crime to Political Heights
In a revealing new memoir, former Home Secretary Sajid Javid opens up about his turbulent youth, including incidents of petty crime and family struggles that shaped his path to the upper echelons of British politics. Now aged 56, Javid's book, The Colour of Home, offers an intimate look at his early life, challenging the narrative he once presented of avoiding trouble while growing up on what he called "the most dangerous street in Britain."
A Turning Point in a Police Cell
One pivotal moment in Javid's adolescence occurred when he and his younger brother Bas were caught cheating fruit machines at an amusement arcade in Weston-super-Mare. Using a J-shaped wire, the brothers swindled money from slot machines, with Javid even opening a savings account for his illicit gains. After being apprehended by the arcade manager, who subjected them to racial abuse, the boys were arrested and held in a police cell.
Their future hung in the balance as they faced potential charges. Bas, who later became a senior police officer, had already received a caution for theft, making his situation particularly precarious. Their father, in tears, pleaded with officers for leniency, resulting in both boys being cautioned and given a second chance. Javid reflects that this experience profoundly changed him, stating he would thank the officer for altering the course of his life.
Family Dynamics and Racial Challenges
Javid's memoir delves into complex family relationships, including brutal beatings from his father, which he describes as abuse. He recounts incidents where his father used objects like a shoe or stick to discipline him, leaving lasting emotional scars. Despite this, Javid expresses forgiveness, noting his father later expressed shame and begged for forgiveness.
Racism was a constant presence in his childhood, from fights at school to abuse directed at his family. The book also details his parents' initial opposition to his relationship with Laura, his now-wife, who is white and Christian. They had arranged a marriage for him with his first cousin without his knowledge, leading to tense family confrontations. Over time, however, his family came to accept and love Laura, illustrating a journey toward reconciliation.
From Banking to Politics: A Thatcherite Dream
Javid's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, from his slot machine schemes to impersonating his father to secure a loan for buying privatised shares, which netted him over £2,000. He cites Margaret Thatcher as a hero, and his career trajectory—from a lucrative banking role earning millions to politics—embodies a Thatcherite ethos of self-improvement.
Elected as Conservative MP for Bromsgrove in 2010, Javid held multiple cabinet positions, including Home Secretary and Health Secretary. However, he admits to never staying long enough in one role to make a significant impact and expresses disillusionment with working under Boris Johnson, resigning twice over issues of integrity.
Reflections on Politics and Social Cohesion
Javid, who stepped down as an MP in 2024, now focuses on charitable work, such as chairing the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. He criticises current political parties for not doing enough to counter divisive rhetoric, warning of a "tinderbox of disconnection and division" in Britain due to immigration mismanagement and social media extremism.
His story, he hopes, will inspire others from disadvantaged backgrounds, showcasing how perseverance can overcome adversity. The memoir, while not overtly political, serves as a parable of resilience and the complexities of modern British society.
