Kemi Badenoch has been praised for sacking Robert Jenrick before he could announce his defection to Reform UK, after her team obtained a copy of his resignation speech. The Tory leader acted on evidence from a mole in Jenrick's office, who provided screenshots of the speech and media plan just 24 hours after a phone call between the two.
Jenrick's speech, which criticised senior Tories including Priti Patel and Mel Stride, claimed the party had 'lost its way' and described Nigel Farage as the 'right person' to lead the country. Despite speculation about his intentions, Badenoch's top team were shocked by the betrayal, though Jenrick's aides had joked openly about a possible defection.
Badenoch was advised to sack Jenrick immediately after learning that Farage was due to appear on BBC's Laura Kuenssberg show, where he might hint at the defection. The Tory leader left the task to chief whip Rebecca Harris, who called Jenrick; he angrily denied the plans. Badenoch then released a video message timed to coincide with Farage's press conference in Scotland, catching both off guard.
Farage, appearing surprised, said no deal had been done with Jenrick yet, joking he might 'buy him a pint'. Tory MPs condemned Jenrick as a 'coward' and 'traitor', with one former cabinet minister calling him a 'snake in the grass'. Badenoch's team were euphoric, with one senior Tory saying: 'Jenrick's clever-dick people, they're not so clever after all.'
