The political landscape in Nottinghamshire was rocked on Thursday by the dramatic defection of former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick to Reform UK, a move that has left local Tory activists feeling personally betrayed and plunged his constituency into turmoil.
A Friendship Shattered by Political News
For Sam Smith, a Conservative councillor and leader of the opposition on Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council, the day began normally. He was preparing for a budget scrutiny meeting when he received a message from his friend of over five years, Robert Jenrick. The MP's message in the Newark Conservative Association group chat casually discussed which local pubs they could visit to oppose Labour's business rates hike.
Less than three hours later, the world turned upside down. During the council meeting, Smith was alerted to the shocking announcement from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. She revealed that Jenrick had been sacked from the shadow frontbench and expelled from the party due to "irrefutable evidence" he was planning to defect.
"I couldn't believe what I was reading. You go through an emotional rollercoaster," Smith said, describing his abrupt exit from the meeting. "Then [the] personal: 'Why haven't you told me? I'm your friend.'"
Radio Silence and a Blistering Attack
For hours, there was complete radio silence from Jenrick and his team, despite Smith's attempts to contact him. Instead, the councillor watched events unfold through media reports as his friend appeared at a Reform UK press conference. There, Jenrick launched a blistering attack on consecutive Conservative governments, declaring "Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform."
The revelation that Jenrick had been in talks with Reform since September was particularly painful for Smith. "I reflected on how many times we'd interacted as friends since September, which is many times in the pubs and on the streets," he said. "How many times we've interacted professionally... and to not say that and to not talk to me about it, it's quite sad."
Smith finally spoke to Jenrick just before midnight on Thursday. The MP claimed he had planned to inform his friend before the defection became public, but events had overtaken him. When asked if he viewed the move as a betrayal, Smith's answer was emphatic.
"Absolutely. I see it as a betrayal to the voters of Newark, who voted for conservative policies and values. I see it as a betrayal to his friends who have helped him get re-elected," Smith stated, adding pointedly: "I do think it's interesting what people do when they see the polls and how quickly their principles change."
Mixed Reactions from Newark Voters
In Newark itself, a rural market town that has been Conservative-dominated since 1979 (barring a single Labour term from 1997-2001), voters expressed divided opinions. Jenrick's majority had already taken a hit in the 2024 election, falling to just over 3,500, with Reform capturing 15% of the vote.
Some constituents, like 68-year-old butcher shop owner Andrew Hind, said they were unsurprised by the defection and would still vote for Jenrick under the Reform banner. Tricia Gallop, 75, defended Jenrick's record as a diligent local MP who attended events for elderly residents.
Others were more critical. A local charity worker named Catherine accused Jenrick of being "barely ever here" and jumping on bandwagons. She criticised his failure to campaign to save Newark's world-renowned courses in making stringed instruments. "He's all out for himself. That's the only reason he's a politician," she claimed.
Stephen Charnock, chair of trustees at a Newark food bank, called the defection inevitable, stating he cared more about an MP serving local needs than their party affiliation.
The Aftermath and a Lost Friendship
The defection has reportedly strengthened the resolve of Conservative activists in Newark, who are now determined to battle Jenrick for the seat at the next general election. For Sam Smith, the personal cost remains profound.
When asked if he still considers Jenrick a friend, Smith responded hesitantly: "I hope so. If he didn't defect yesterday ... I would defend him to the hilt. I'm not going to sit here today and say I don't respect him because I do."
He then added, with palpable sadness: "But, I have lost a friend."
