Nigel Farage has confirmed that he held discussions with Robert Jenrick about a possible defection to Reform UK. The Reform leader's admission came after the former Tory minister was sacked from the shadow cabinet by Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of plotting to defect in a way designed to inflict maximum damage on the Conservative Party.
Speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh, Mr Farage said: 'Of course, I’ve spoken to Robert Jenrick. Was I on the verge of signing a document with him? No. But have we had conversations? Yes.' He added that he would ring Mr Jenrick later and might even buy him a pint.
Ms Badenoch announced the sacking on social media, stating she had 'clear, irrefutable evidence' of secret defection plans. She criticised the 'political psychodrama' and said she would not repeat past mistakes. Mr Jenrick has not yet commented publicly on the allegations.
The move would represent a dramatic shift for Mr Jenrick, whom Mr Farage had previously branded a 'fraud' for expanding asylum hotels during his tenure as immigration minister. Despite past criticism, Reform has welcomed several former Conservative MPs, including Nadhim Zahawi, who joined the party earlier this week.
