By Peter Omopo
Former UK shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick has joined Reform UK, marking the most senior defection from the Conservative Party to Nigel Farage’s movement to date.
Jenrick’s defection came hours after he was sacked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of secretly plotting to leave the party in a manner designed to cause maximum political damage. Badenoch said she had “clear, irrefutable evidence” of his intentions, adding that his departure was “a good day” for the Conservatives.
Jenrick was formally unveiled as a Reform UK Member of Parliament at a press conference on Thursday by party leader Nigel Farage. Speaking at the event, Jenrick said he first contacted Farage in September to explore his political options but insisted he had not decided to defect at that time. Farage, however, said there had only been a “60/40 chance” of Jenrick joining Reform until he was dismissed from the Conservative shadow cabinet.
In his first remarks as a Reform MP, Jenrick criticised both major parties, arguing that “Britain is in decline” and describing the Conservatives and Labour as “no longer fit for purpose.” He said Farage was “the right person to lead the movement for change Britain needs” and declared his support for Farage to become prime minister after the next general election.
Jenrick confirmed he would not call a by-election in his Newark constituency, saying he intended to continue representing his constituents in Parliament. Farage welcomed the move, predicting that Jenrick’s defection would attract more voters to Reform UK, but stressed that the party would not accept further defectors after the local elections scheduled for May.
Shortly before Jenrick addressed the press, the Conservative Party released what it said was evidence justifying his sacking, including excerpts from a draft speech allegedly prepared in advance of his defection. A party spokesperson said the material showed Jenrick’s intention to “stab his Conservative colleagues in the back.”
Responding to the development, Badenoch said Jenrick had assured her only days earlier that he had no plans to defect. “Robert Jenrick is no longer my problem, he is now Nigel Farage’s problem,” she said, adding that losing someone she accused of dishonesty was no loss to her party.
Political analysts have described the move as a significant moment in UK politics, noting that Jenrick, who was a recent contender for the Conservative leadership, is the highest-profile MP yet to cross to Reform UK, underlining growing realignments on the British right ahead of upcoming elections.
