Internal divisions within the Conservative Party have flared up after Robert Jenrick publicly criticised US Senator JD Vance and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch over their comments regarding Nigel Farage.
The former immigration minister accused Vance of "misunderstanding British politics" after the Ohio senator suggested Farage should join the Tories. Jenrick also took aim at Badenoch for her perceived reluctance to condemn Vance's remarks.
Growing Conservative Rifts
This public spat highlights deepening fractures within the Conservative Party as it struggles to present a united front ahead of the next general election. Jenrick's intervention comes at a sensitive time for the Tories, who are facing mounting pressure from Reform UK, the party Farage helped establish.
Vance's Controversial Suggestion
JD Vance, a close ally of Donald Trump, sparked the row when he claimed Farage would be "a great addition" to the Conservative Party. The comments were seen by many as unwelcome foreign interference in UK domestic politics.
Jenrick responded sharply, stating: "British political parties should be shaped by British voters, not by commentary from American politicians, however well-intentioned."
Badenoch Under Fire
The Business Secretary faced criticism for her measured response to Vance's intervention. While not endorsing his comments, Badenoch stopped short of directly challenging the US senator, leading to accusations of weakness from some Tory backbenchers.
Political analysts suggest this episode reflects wider tensions within the Conservative Party about how to handle the Farage factor and the growing threat from Reform UK.
