Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has taken the drastic step of sacking Robert Jenrick from the shadow cabinet and suspending him from the party, citing "irrefutable evidence" he was secretly planning a damaging defection.
The Evidence of a Plot
Badenoch stated she was presented with clear proof that the former immigration minister and shadow justice secretary was plotting to defect in a manner designed to inflict maximum harm on his colleagues and the Conservative party. While she did not name the intended destination, sources confirmed it was Nigel Farage's Reform UK.
Westminster sources revealed that suspicions about Jenrick's activities had been growing for some time, with party officials monitoring him over concerns he was working to undermine the Tories. They believed his move to Reform was imminent, a belief reportedly confirmed by the indiscreet actions of some of his unofficial aides.
A History of Rivalry and Ambition
Jenrick, who was Badenoch's rival in the recent Tory leadership contest, has long been speculated to be open to a deal with Reform UK. The plot thickens with the revelation that Jenrick and Nigel Farage are understood to have dined together last month.
In a statement, Badenoch criticised Jenrick for putting personal ambition above party loyalty. "The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I," she said, pledging not to repeat the mistakes of past governments. In a video posted on X, she emphasised her commitment to ending a vicious cycle of betrayals within the party.
Reaction and Ramifications
Speaking in Scotland, Nigel Farage acknowledged having conversations with Jenrick but denied being on the verge of signing any formal agreement. The defection, had it occurred, would have been the most high-profile move of a sitting MP to Reform, following that of shadow minister Danny Kruger.
Jenrick, who has cultivated a significant social media following, now finds himself outside the shadow cabinet and without the party whip. Badenoch's decisive action signals a hardline stance against internal dissent as she seeks to stabilise the Conservatives after a tumultuous period.
