Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick from the shadow cabinet and suspended his party membership, citing “irrefutable evidence” that he was plotting to defect to Reform UK. The shadow justice secretary, who was Badenoch’s leadership rival, had long been suspected of preparing to align with Nigel Farage’s party.
Badenoch did not name Reform UK in her statement, but sources confirmed it was the intended destination. She accused Jenrick of putting personal ambition above loyalty, saying: “The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I. I will not repeat those mistakes.” The sacking was delivered by chief whip Rebecca Harris, with Badenoch declining to speak to Jenrick directly.
Westminster sources said Badenoch had monitored Jenrick’s activities for some time due to suspicions he was undermining the party. Concerns were heightened by the actions of his unofficial aides, known internally as the “grid of shit” plotters for their efforts to depose Rishi Sunak. Parts of a potential resignation speech, containing “vicious” criticism of shadow cabinet colleagues, were reportedly left unattended, leading senior Tories to believe defection was imminent.
Nigel Farage, who is due to give a press conference in Westminster, denied that Jenrick’s defection was scheduled. He claimed Badenoch had “panicked” and “added up two and two and made five”. However, he confirmed having had conversations with Jenrick, saying: “Was I on the verge of signing a document with him? No. But have we had conversations? Yes.” Farage also warned that Reform UK would not welcome Tory infighting.
Jenrick, a former immigration minister with a sizeable social media following, would be the most high-profile defection to Reform UK if he were to join. His sacking follows the earlier defection of shadow minister Danny Kruger. One shadow cabinet minister noted Jenrick’s growing frustration as Badenoch’s popularity rose after the Tory conference, adding: “Now Farage will need to watch his back.”
