Robert Jenrick's transformation into a hardline immigration hawk is facing intense scrutiny as his own ministerial record comes back to haunt him. The former immigration minister, now positioning himself on the right flank of the Conservative Party, personally authorised the use of dozens of additional hotels for asylum seekers during his tenure—a policy he now vehemently criticises.
The Hotel Expansion Under Jenrick's Watch
Official documents reveal a stark contradiction between Jenrick's current rhetoric and his actions in office. During his time as immigration minister, the number of hotels housing asylum seekers surged dramatically, with Jenrick himself signing off on numerous contracts. This expansion occurred despite growing concerns about the enormous cost to taxpayers and the impact on local communities.
The figures are striking: while previously acknowledging the hotel system was "corrosive," Jenrick's signature appears on multiple approvals that expanded the very system he now condemns. This record undermines his attempts to position himself as a consistent critic of the government's approach to immigration.
A Right-Wing Bid for Attention
Jenrick's increasingly strident tone on immigration appears calculated to appeal to the Conservative Party's right wing following his resignation from government last year. His departure was framed as a principled stand against insufficiently tough immigration policies, but his ministerial record tells a more complex story.
Internal emails and documents show Jenrick was directly involved in decisions about which hotels to requisition and where. This hands-on role in expanding the controversial hotel system contrasts sharply with his current portrayal as a rebel who fought against such policies from within government.
The Political Fallout
The revelation of Jenrick's direct involvement in expanding the hotel programme poses significant challenges to his political ambitions. Critics argue it reveals a pattern of political opportunism, while supporters maintain his perspective evolved based on experience.
"It's the classic case of someone trying to distance themselves from policies they helped create," noted one Whitehall insider. "The paper trail doesn't lie—he was authorising these contracts while now claiming he was always against them."
The timing is particularly awkward for Jenrick as he seeks to establish himself as a standard-bearer for the Conservative right. With immigration likely to remain a key issue in British politics, his contradictory record on hotel accommodations may continue to shadow his political ambitions.
