Robert Jenrick defected to Reform UK on Thursday, declaring the Conservatives “rotten” and “failed” after being sacked by Kemi Badenoch for allegedly plotting against her.
The former shadow justice secretary, who stood against Badenoch for the Tory leadership, said the party “isn't sorry, it doesn't get it, it hasn't changed, it won't change, it can't change”.
Jenrick's defection deepens the split on the right, as Badenoch struggles to keep the party together. He criticised shadow cabinet members Mel Stride and Priti Patel over welfare and migration.
Farage called the sacking “the latest Christmas present” and said after local elections in May, Reform would stop accepting Tory defectors. Jenrick admitted he had resolved to leave the party earlier that morning.
Jenrick said discussions with Reform began in September, facilitated by former Tory adviser Tim Montgomerie. He will not call a byelection in his Newark constituency.
