Conservative councillors in Newark have expressed shock and betrayal after Robert Jenrick defected to Reform UK, with one close friend and campaign manager saying he 'lost a friend'. Sam Smith, leader of the opposition on Nottinghamshire County Council, said he was blindsided by the announcement, having exchanged messages with Jenrick just hours earlier.
Smith, who helped Jenrick retain his seat in the 2024 general election, said he learned of the defection during a council meeting. 'I couldn't believe what I was reading. You go through an emotional rollercoaster,' he said. 'Then the personal: Why haven't you told me? I'm your friend.'
Jenrick was sacked from the shadow frontbench by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch after 'irrefutable evidence' emerged of his planned defection. At a press conference, Jenrick declared 'Britain is broken' and said he had been in talks with Reform since September. Smith said he was hurt that Jenrick did not confide in him despite frequent interactions over recent months.
Smith described the defection as a betrayal of Newark voters and of his friends. 'I see it as a betrayal to the voters of Newark, who voted for conservative policies and values,' he said. 'I do think it's interesting what people do when they see the polls and how quickly their principles change.'
Voters in Newark were divided. Some, like butcher Andrew Hind, said they would continue to support Jenrick under the Reform banner. Others, like charity worker Catherine, criticised him as 'not interested' in the local area and 'all out for himself'. Jenrick's majority in the seat fell to just over 3,500 in 2024, with Reform taking 15% of the vote.
