Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative MP, has defected to Reform UK, stating that his move is intended to 'unite the right' and provide a viable alternative to the current Labour government. In his first interview since the defection, Jenrick told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that his decision was made over the Christmas period, driven by frustration with the Conservative Party's direction.
Jenrick argued that the Conservatives have not changed since the general election and that the 'arsonists' who damaged the party's reputation remain in charge. He urged right-wing voters to rally behind Nigel Farage and Reform UK, warning that failure to do so could result in a Labour government or a coalition involving the Greens and Liberal Democrats.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded sharply, accusing Jenrick of being a 'non-team player' and welcoming his departure as 'spring cleaning'. She told GB News that the Conservative Party is now more united and stronger without him. Badenoch also reiterated her earlier claim that Jenrick 'tells a lot of lies'.
Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders also criticised Jenrick. Labour chairwoman Anna Turley called him 'one of the arsonists who inflicted chaos and decline on Britain', while Lib Dem leader Ed Davey accused him of helping to 'wreck the NHS' during his time as a health minister.
Jenrick defended his record in government, saying he 'always tried to challenge the system' and worked hard to reduce immigration. He expressed hope that his defection would help consolidate the right-wing vote against Labour.
