The defection of Robert Jenrick to Reform UK has triggered a mixed reaction among the party's grassroots, with some members expressing concern over the influx of former Conservatives. In a private Reform Facebook group, member James Scott wrote: 'Enough already! Reform uk please take note, you are going to lose members and voters if you don’t cap this craziness … We don’t want a Tory party Pt II.' Another member threatened to leave the party if Jenrick joined, stating: 'Don’t do it, Nigel. If Jenrick joins Reform I’m done.'
However, the majority of Reform members appeared to welcome Jenrick, viewing him as a significant recruit. On a public group celebrating Nigel Farage, Paul Rayner commented: 'Fantastic news !! I am losing count of how many potential great future leaders are now in Reform.' A contributor to a private Facebook forum wrote: 'We always wanted Jenrick in the Reform party. He’s a seasoned veteran of parliament.'
The defection also drew cautious responses from Reform councillors in Nottinghamshire, where Jenrick is an MP. Rory Green, a Reform county councillor, said: 'I know he is very experienced. He is a [lawyer] and has been on cabinet nationally so that’s positive.' Dawn Justice, a colleague, noted Jenrick was 'well liked' but needed to read more. Maxwell Harrison, a senior Reform councillor in Kent, hailed the move as 'a massive moment in our movement’s history.'
Internal tensions may arise, particularly with Reform's head of policy, Zia Yusuf, whom Jenrick previously called on to be sacked after accusing him of liking an antisemitic post. Yusuf had earlier assured grassroots members: 'YOU will be prioritised in candidate selection for our next class of MPs, NOT failed former Tory MPs.'
