Robert Jenrick, the former shadow justice secretary, has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, branding the Conservative Party as "rotten" and "failed" after being sacked by leader Kemi Badenoch. The defection, announced at a joint press conference with Farage in Westminster on Thursday, marks the most senior Conservative to switch allegiance to Reform, deepening the rift on the British right.
Jenrick, who lost the Tory leadership contest to Badenoch, said the party "isn't sorry, it doesn't get it, it hasn't changed, it won't change, it can't change." He accused both Labour and the Conservatives of breaking Britain, stating, "Both parties are committed to a set of ideas that have failed Britain." The former immigration minister admitted he had resolved to leave the Tories before his sacking, which he said accelerated his departure.
Badenoch removed the Conservative whip and suspended Jenrick's party membership after claiming to have found "irrefutable evidence" of his planned defection. She appointed Nick Timothy as the new shadow justice secretary. Farage described the sacking as the "latest Christmas present I've ever had," noting that he was still uncertain about Jenrick's defection until Badenoch forced the issue.
Jenrick singled out shadow chancellor Mel Stride and shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel for criticism, accusing Stride of overseeing the welfare bill's explosion and Patel of presiding over a surge in legal migration. He confirmed that discussions with Reform began in September, facilitated by former Tory adviser Tim Montgomerie, but insisted no specific role was offered. Farage indicated that after the 7 May local elections, Reform would reject further Tory defectors.
The defection is expected to cause tensions within Reform, as Jenrick's potential appointment as economic spokesperson could clash with deputy leader Richard Tice and policy head Zia Yusuf. Jenrick, who represents the Newark constituency, confirmed he will not call a byelection.
