Kemi Badenoch Urges Conservative MPs to Focus on Unity Amid Defections to Reform UK
Published 19 January 2026
Highlights
- Kemi Badenoch has warned Conservative MPs against internal plotting following recent defections to Reform UK, emphasizing party unity.
- Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell have defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, with Badenoch dismissing these moves as minor setbacks.
- Badenoch insists the defections are not ideological but rather about personal ambition and character, urging MPs to ensure their staff align with party values.
- The Conservative leader plans meetings to address the situation, emphasizing the need to avoid "psychodrama" and focus on effective governance.
- Badenoch criticized the defectors' motivations, suggesting they reflect broader issues of self-interest in politics rather than genuine policy disagreements.
In the wake of recent defections from the Conservative Party to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, party leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a stern warning to her MPs against internal plotting and "psychodrama." This comes after Robert Jenrick, the former shadow justice secretary, and Andrew Rosindell, a former shadow minister for foreign affairs, both left the party within days of each other.
Badenoch, in a letter to her MPs, described these defections as "a minor setback, not a defining moment" for the Conservatives. She emphasized the importance of unity and urged MPs to ensure their staff are aligned with the party's strategy and values. "Undermining the party from within, whether by MPs or by staff, is unacceptable," she wrote.
Defections and Political Strategy
The defections have sparked discussions about the Conservative Party's direction, with some suggesting a shift towards the center. However, Badenoch dismissed these interpretations, stating, "These defections are not about policy differences or ideology; they are about character." She reiterated that the party remains firmly on the right and must continue to do so.
Badenoch criticized Jenrick for remaining a Tory MP while secretly negotiating with Farage, highlighting the need for trust and teamwork within the party. She also questioned Rosindell's stated reasons for leaving, suggesting they were not credible.
Focus on Unity and Governance
In response to the defections, Badenoch has called for meetings with MPs to reinforce the message of unity and effective governance. She stressed the need to avoid distractions and focus on holding the government accountable and creating a plan for the country.
Badenoch's leadership comes at a critical time as the party navigates internal challenges and prepares for upcoming elections. Her call for unity and discipline aims to strengthen the party's position and counter the narrative of a shift towards centrist policies.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the Conservative Party faces the challenge of maintaining cohesion amid internal dissent and external pressures. Badenoch's emphasis on unity and character may help consolidate support within the party, but the defections highlight underlying tensions that could resurface.
The defections to Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, suggest a potential realignment on the right of British politics. As the May elections approach, the Conservatives will need to address these dynamics to prevent further erosion of their base.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see how Badenoch's leadership and strategic focus impact the party's fortunes in the coming months. Her ability to navigate these challenges could define her tenure as party leader and shape the future direction of the Conservatives.
