A 27-metre (88ft) woven tapestry at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham has become a star attraction, depicting party leader Kemi Badenoch banishing a pint-sized Robert Jenrick. The work, a graphical retelling of the past two years in British politics, features Badenoch as an 11th-century conquering warrior and a tiny Jenrick wailing as he loses the leadership contest.
Jenrick's departure and sidelined jibes
Jenrick left the party months after being bested by Badenoch, swiftly ejected after she learned of his plans to defect to Reform UK. This week, as the Conservative ranks gather in Birmingham, the Reform UK economy spokesperson has been accusing his old party of "once again copying our policies" from the sidelines.
Despite his physical absence, reminders of Jenrick are everywhere. Under the heading "Expelleth the Turncoat," an outsized Badenoch is shown banishing her tiny, sobbing former colleague, standing next to a photocopier where, legend has it, Jenrick's resignation letter was found.
Members' reactions and leadership unity
Party members queue to chortle at the depictions. One member who travelled from Scotland says, "I think it's great fun; every story needs a villain and he's ours." Another member, who voted for Jenrick in the leadership election, felt let down by his plots to remove the leader. "The way he did what he did was spiteful, petty and childish," he says, adding, "It's just attention-seeking, isn't it?"
The schadenfreude is palpable. Shadow cabinet ministers bring him up unprompted. One senior Tory remarks, "I miss him like I would miss an abscess in my molar." Another says, "Nobody knew how much we hated Robert until he left the party." Some credit Jenrick for bringing the party closer together because he had "briefed against everybody."
No welcome back for defectors
At a packed fringe event hosted by More in Common, mentions of Jenrick are met with groans. Asked if he would consider taking back Jenrick or any of the other three Tory MPs who defected, deputy leader Alex Burghart responds, "No, no, no and no." Was he relieved they were gone? "Yes, yes, yes and yes."
Badenoch has made clear that neither Jenrick nor his fellow defectors would ever be welcome back, thanking Nigel Farage for doing the "spring cleaning" of her party. Shadow undersecretary for environment, food and rural affairs, Aphra Brandreth, insists the party is completely over Jenrick. "Honestly I don't spend any time thinking about Robert Jenrick," she says. "He's gone, and we've all moved on."
