Robert Jenrick has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, becoming the most senior Conservative to do so. The former shadow justice secretary was sacked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch earlier on Thursday after she found 'irrefutable evidence' of his planned defection. Jenrick described the Conservative Party as 'rotten' and 'failed', and said it 'can't change'.
At a joint press conference with Farage in Westminster, Jenrick launched a blistering attack on his former colleagues. He accused both Labour and the Conservatives of breaking Britain, and singled out shadow chancellor Mel Stride and shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel for criticism over welfare and migration policies. Jenrick admitted he had resolved to leave the Tories before his sacking forced the move.
Farage called the sacking the 'latest Christmas present I've ever had', but said it was still uncertain whether Jenrick would defect until Badenoch forced his hand. Jenrick confirmed he will not call a by-election in his Newark constituency. Discussions with Reform began in September, facilitated by former Tory adviser Tim Montgomerie.
The defection deepens the split on the British right as Badenoch struggles to hold the Conservatives together. Farage predicted that after the 7 May local elections, no more Tory defections would occur, and Reform would reject further applicants. Jenrick is expected to take on a role in the party, possibly as economic spokesperson, though this could cause tensions with other senior figures.
