Robert Jenrick's Defection to Reform UK Stuns Conservative Allies
Published 16 January 2026
Highlights
- Robert Jenrick, former Conservative MP for Newark, has defected to Reform UK, citing dissatisfaction with both major parties.
- Conservative councillor Sam Smith, a close friend and campaign leader for Jenrick, expressed shock and disappointment over the defection.
- Jenrick's defection follows his sacking by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of plotting to defect.
- Nigel Farage welcomed Jenrick to Reform UK, marking him as the second Tory MP to join the party recently.
- Despite his defection, Jenrick confirmed he will not resign from his Newark seat and plans to run as a Reform UK candidate.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: Robert Jenrick's Defection to Reform UK Stuns Conservative Allies
In a surprising political shift, Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative MP for Newark, has announced his defection to Reform UK, a move that has left his Conservative allies in shock. Jenrick, who was recently dismissed from the shadow frontbench by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, revealed his decision at a press conference on Thursday, declaring that "Britain is broken" and in need of reform.
A Shocking Announcement
Sam Smith, a Conservative councillor and close friend of Jenrick, expressed his disbelief and disappointment over the defection. Smith, who led Jenrick's re-election campaign, described the news as a "silly move" and shared his personal hurt, having dedicated years to supporting Jenrick's political career. "I am absolutely gutted," Smith stated, highlighting the unexpected nature of Jenrick's decision, especially given their past joint efforts against Reform UK in Nottinghamshire.
Political Context and Reactions
Jenrick's defection follows his sacking by Kemi Badenoch, who cited "irrefutable evidence" of his plans to leave the party. This move has been seen as a significant blow to the Conservatives, with Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, welcoming Jenrick as a high-profile recruit. Farage humorously referred to Jenrick's defection as "the latest Christmas present" for his party, which has been gaining traction in national polls.
Personal and Political Implications
The defection has not only political but also personal ramifications for those close to Jenrick. Smith recounted the emotional turmoil of discovering the news and the subsequent silence from Jenrick, which left him and others in a "state of shock." Despite the personal and political fallout, Jenrick has confirmed he will not resign from his Newark seat and intends to stand as a Reform UK candidate in future elections.
-
Scenario Analysis
Jenrick's defection to Reform UK could signal a broader shift in the UK's political landscape, particularly if more Conservative MPs follow suit. This move may embolden Reform UK, potentially altering the dynamics of upcoming elections. Politically, Jenrick's decision underscores growing dissatisfaction within the Conservative ranks, which could lead to further internal challenges for Kemi Badenoch's leadership. Expert analysts suggest that this defection might prompt the Conservative Party to reassess its strategies and policies to prevent further losses to Reform UK.
In a surprising political shift, Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative MP for Newark, has announced his defection to Reform UK, a move that has left his Conservative allies in shock. Jenrick, who was recently dismissed from the shadow frontbench by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, revealed his decision at a press conference on Thursday, declaring that "Britain is broken" and in need of reform.
A Shocking Announcement
Sam Smith, a Conservative councillor and close friend of Jenrick, expressed his disbelief and disappointment over the defection. Smith, who led Jenrick's re-election campaign, described the news as a "silly move" and shared his personal hurt, having dedicated years to supporting Jenrick's political career. "I am absolutely gutted," Smith stated, highlighting the unexpected nature of Jenrick's decision, especially given their past joint efforts against Reform UK in Nottinghamshire.
Political Context and Reactions
Jenrick's defection follows his sacking by Kemi Badenoch, who cited "irrefutable evidence" of his plans to leave the party. This move has been seen as a significant blow to the Conservatives, with Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, welcoming Jenrick as a high-profile recruit. Farage humorously referred to Jenrick's defection as "the latest Christmas present" for his party, which has been gaining traction in national polls.
Personal and Political Implications
The defection has not only political but also personal ramifications for those close to Jenrick. Smith recounted the emotional turmoil of discovering the news and the subsequent silence from Jenrick, which left him and others in a "state of shock." Despite the personal and political fallout, Jenrick has confirmed he will not resign from his Newark seat and intends to stand as a Reform UK candidate in future elections.
What this might mean
Jenrick's defection to Reform UK could signal a broader shift in the UK's political landscape, particularly if more Conservative MPs follow suit. This move may embolden Reform UK, potentially altering the dynamics of upcoming elections. Politically, Jenrick's decision underscores growing dissatisfaction within the Conservative ranks, which could lead to further internal challenges for Kemi Badenoch's leadership. Expert analysts suggest that this defection might prompt the Conservative Party to reassess its strategies and policies to prevent further losses to Reform UK.
