The political landscape in Newark was thrown into turmoil on Thursday as the area's Conservative MP, Robert Jenrick, dramatically defected to Reform UK, leaving local party members and a close friend feeling shocked and betrayed.
A Day of Personal and Political Shock
For Sam Smith, a Conservative councillor and leader of the opposition on Nottinghamshire County Council, the day started normally. He was preparing for a budget meeting when he received a message from his friend of over five years, Robert Jenrick, discussing local pubs. Less than three hours later, the world turned upside down.
During the council meeting, Smith learned of the shocking announcement from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. She revealed "irrefutable evidence" that Jenrick was planning to defect and had consequently sacked him from the shadow frontbench and the party. Smith had to leave the meeting abruptly, describing the atmosphere as one of total "state of shock."
"I couldn't believe what I was reading. You go through an emotional rollercoaster," Smith said. His immediate personal reaction was to question why his friend had not confided in him. "Then [the] personal: 'Why haven't you told me? I'm your friend.'"
Radio Silence and a Blistering Attack
For hours, there was no word from Jenrick or his team. Smith tried to contact him but received no reply. Instead, he watched events unfold through media reports, seeing his friend appear as Reform UK's latest and most high-profile recruit.
At a press conference, Jenrick launched a fierce critique of consecutive Conservative governments, declaring "Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform." He also disclosed that he had been in talks with Reform since September, a revelation that hurt Smith deeply.
"I reflected on how many times we'd interacted as friends since September, which is many times in the pubs and on the streets," Smith explained. "How many times we've interacted professionally... and to not say that and to not talk to me about it, it's quite sad."
Mixed Reactions from Newark Voters
Newark, a rural market town, has been a Conservative stronghold since 1979, with only a brief Labour interruption from 1997 to 2001. Jenrick's majority was reduced to just over 3,500 in the 2024 election, with Reform already taking 15% of the vote.
Reaction among constituents has been divided. Andrew Hind, a 68-year-old butcher who voted for Jenrick, said he was not surprised by the move and would support him again under the Reform banner. Tricia Gallop, 75, defended Jenrick's local record, noting his attendance at community events.
Others were more critical. A local charity worker named Catherine accused Jenrick of being "barely ever here" and jumping on bandwagons. "He's all out for himself. That's the only reason he's a politician," she said. Stephen Charnock, chair of trustees at a Newark food bank, called the defection inevitable, stressing he wanted an MP focused on local concerns regardless of party.
A Friendship Tested and a Battle Ahead
Smith finally spoke to Jenrick just before midnight on Thursday. He was angry at not being told as a friend and campaign manager, but took some comfort that Jenrick claimed he had planned to inform him earlier and did not intend to defect that specific day.
When asked if he saw the move as a betrayal, Smith's answer was emphatic. "Absolutely," he stated. "I see it as a betrayal to the voters of Newark... I see it as a betrayal to his friends who have helped him get re-elected."
The defection has reportedly strengthened the resolve of local Conservative activists, who are now determined to battle Jenrick for the Newark seat at the next general election. As for the personal relationship, Smith was hesitant but hopeful. "I have lost a friend," he concluded, reflecting the profound personal cost of a seismic political shift.
