As Robert Jenrick settles into his new position as the sixth MP for Reform UK, political observers are turning their attention to the formidable woman said to be the engine of his career: his wife, Michal Berkner. Described by former Conservative colleagues as a 'force of nature', the high-flying corporate lawyer has been a constant and powerful presence throughout his political journey.
The Driving Force: A Partner in Politics and Life
Michal Berkner, nine years her husband's senior, is a partner at the global law firm Baker McKenzie in London, where she heads EMEA Biopharma and Deep Tech Transactions. Her role as the family's main breadwinner financially enabled Jenrick, 44, to pursue his ambitions for high office. She has been at his side for every career milestone, as well as during the recent tumultuous defection from the Conservatives.
Her influence extends into personal realms, too. She is widely reported to have been the one who encouraged her 'formerly tubby' husband to take the slimming drug Ozempic. A Tory source told The Times she believed the medication was 'the cure for everything', though Jenrick admitted to using it only briefly alongside diet and exercise.
A Memorable Moment of Defeat
Berkner's unwavering support was captured in a painfully public moment in November 2024. After Jenrick lost the Conservative leadership contest to Kemi Badenoch, television cameras caught Berkner's reaction. She began applauding Badenoch's victory beside her defeated husband but attempted to stop after a few seconds. Realising everyone else, including Jenrick, was still clapping, she rolled her eyes and resumed with a strained smile.
The moment did not go unnoticed online, with one social media user quipping: 'Robert Jenrick's 'gracious loser' face needs work. His wife's attempt is non-existent.' This same party leader, Kemi Badenoch, would later sack Jenrick from the shadow cabinet this week upon receiving undeniable evidence of his planned move to Reform.
From Law Partners to Political Partners
The couple, who have three children, met while both working at the prestigious New York law firm Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. Berkner, born in Israel and raised there and in the US, is a UK citizen and a polyglot speaking three languages. Her grandparents were Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust.
Beyond her legal prowess, she has a love for gardening, antiques, Abba, and Eurovision. The couple also share a significant property portfolio, once leading to Jenrick being dubbed 'The Four Houses Secretary'. Their holdings include a £1.1 million Grade I-listed manor in Herefordshire, a Marylebone flat bought for £850,000, and a £2.5 million townhouse in Westminster.
Fallout and a United Tory Front
Jenrick's defection has prompted a strong response from his former party. His successor in the shadow cabinet, Nick Timothy, said the public are 'sick of the backstabbing' and insisted the Conservatives are 'more united' under Kemi Badenoch. Timothy, the new Shadow Justice Secretary, stated that Badenoch acted 'decisively' upon receiving 'irrefutable evidence' of Jenrick's plans, which were reportedly leaked by a member of his own staff.
Jenrick now joins other high-profile Tories like Nadhim Zahawi and Danny Kruger in switching allegiance to Nigel Farage's insurgent party. As he carves out his new role with Reform UK, the influence and support of Michal Berkner, the corporate lawyer turned political strategist, will undoubtedly continue to be a defining feature of his trajectory.
