Robert Jenrick's defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK has drawn a mixed reaction from the party's grassroots, with some members expressing concern about the influx of former Tories. On a large 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.
However, such hostility appeared to be in the minority, with most contributors welcoming the former Conservative frontbencher. One member commented: 'We always wanted Jenrick in the Reform party. He’s a seasoned veteran of parliament.' Paul Rayner, posting on a public group celebrating Nigel Farage, said: 'Fantastic news !! I am losing count of how many potential great future leaders are now in Reform.'
Reform councillors in Nottinghamshire, where Jenrick is an MP, were cautious but generally positive. Rory Green, a Reform county councillor, said: 'I know he is very experienced. He is a lawyer and has been in cabinet nationally so that’s positive.' Dawn Justice, another councillor, described Jenrick as 'well liked'. Maxwell Harrison, a senior Reform member on Kent county council, called the defection 'a massive moment in our movement’s history.'
Not all senior figures are enthusiastic. Zia Yusuf, Reform's head of policy, had previously acknowledged grassroots discontent, stating: 'I’ve had many messages from Reform grassroots worried about former Tory MPs joining our party. I want to be clear to our Reform grassroots: YOU will be prioritised in candidate selection for our next class of MPs, NOT failed former Tory MPs.' Jenrick had previously called for Yusuf to be sacked after accusing him of liking a post attacking Jenrick's Jewish wife.
