Robert Jenrick, now a Reform frontbencher after being sacked by Kemi Badenoch, is under police investigation over a donation to his Tory leadership campaign. He denies wrongdoing. This is the latest in a series of controversies spanning his political career.
Unlawful Housing Approval for Tory Donor
As housing minister, Jenrick expedited approval for media mogul Richard Desmond's Westferry Printworks project after they shared a table at a Tory fundraising dinner. The decision would have saved Desmond over £40 million in infrastructure charges. Texts showed Desmond lobbied Jenrick, who later accepted the decision was “unlawful”. Michael Gove reversed it.
Painting Over Mural for Child Refugees
In 2023, Jenrick ordered staff at a Dover asylum reception centre to paint over a Mickey Mouse mural, calling it too “welcoming”. The mural also featured Winnie the Pooh and Baloo. Labour peer Lord Dubs, a refugee campaigner, called it a “disgrace”.
Comparing Birmingham Area to 'Slum'
A leaked recording revealed Jenrick told Conservative activists he did not see another white face in 90 minutes in Handsworth, Birmingham, describing it as “as close as I’ve come to a slum in this country”. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the comments showed “complete lack of respect”.
Call for Arrest Over 'Allahu Akbar'
While running for Tory leader, Jenrick said people shouting “Allahu Akbar” should be arrested. The phrase means “God is great” in Arabic. Tory peer Baroness Warsi called it “nasty divisive rhetoric” and “textbook Islamophobia”.
Approving Funds for His Own Seat
In 2020, Labour demanded a probe after Jenrick awarded £25 million from his own department to his constituency, one of 61 areas hand-picked for the Towns Fund. He denied personal involvement, citing a “robust and fair” system.
Botched Defection to Reform
Jenrick announced his defection to Reform UK hours after being sacked by Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of plotting maximum damage. Badenoch learned of the plot from a speech left behind by his team.
Daughter's Middle Name Thatcher
At the 2024 Tory conference, Jenrick revealed his daughter Sophia's middle name is Thatcher, saying it was a way to remind her of a “great prime minister”.
Misleading Claim Using Dead Soldier's Footage
During the Tory leadership race, Jenrick used footage of a deceased soldier to claim SAS troops killed rather than captured militants. Tory Tom Tugendhat, a friend of the soldier, said the claim was “simply not true” and accused Jenrick of putting lives at risk.
Sex Act Merchandise Blunder
Jenrick's campaign distributed hats at the Tory conference with the slogan “Bobby J”, unaware of its slang meaning referring to a sex act, as defined on Urban Dictionary.
Bragging About Asylum Hotels
A 2022 clip resurfaced after his defection, showing Jenrick boasting about procuring more asylum hotels. Nigel Farage posted the clip, calling Jenrick a “fraud”.
Bungled Purchase of Contaminated Prison
Jenrick signed off on buying former HMP Northeye for £15.4 million to house asylum seekers, ignoring advice. The prison needed over £20 million in repairs. The Public Accounts Committee found the purchase wasted public money and highlighted a “dysfunctional culture”.
