Conservative Party members at their annual conference in Birmingham have embraced a satirical tapestry mocking former colleague Robert Jenrick, highlighting divisions within the party following his defection to Reform UK earlier this year.
The 27-metre-long artwork, displayed prominently at the International Convention Centre, portrays party leader Kemi Badenoch as a triumphant medieval warrior while depicting Jenrick as a diminutive figure cast out from the Conservative fold. The tapestry serves as a visual narrative of recent political turbulence, with Jenrick cast in the role of a betrayer rather than a potential leader.
A Leadership Battle Turned Sour
Last October, Kemi Badenoch secured the Conservative leadership after a contested race against Robert Jenrick. While she celebrated her victory before enthusiastic delegates, Jenrick’s demeanour reportedly fell flat. One shadow cabinet member recalled that Jenrick needed prompting from Lord Ashcroft to applaud his rival, suggesting underlying tensions that would later erupt.
“If you’re plotting against someone, then you at least pretend to like them,” the source commented. “The thing about Robert is he’s not even a good Machiavellian.”
Months later, Jenrick’s departure from the Conservative Party became public when he resigned to join Reform UK, an act described by insiders as precipitated by Badenoch’s discovery of his plans. His resignation letter allegedly surfaced near a photocopier within party headquarters, adding symbolic weight to his exit.
Satire and Schadenfreude at Conference
The tapestry, titled “Expelleth the Turncoat,” shows an enlarged Badenoch banishing a small, crying Jenrick. Delegates queued to view the exhibit, laughing at caricatures that paint Jenrick as petulant and disloyal. One Scottish delegate called him “our villain,” while another expressed disappointment in Jenrick’s conduct post-leadership loss.
“He’s not a big figure here any more, he’s just a figure of fun,” said a party member who had supported Jenrick during the leadership contest but now felt betrayed by his actions.
Members voiced frustration over Jenrick’s recent media appearances, particularly his confrontational videos targeting shoplifters and fare-dodgers. These efforts, intended to bolster Reform UK’s populist image, were met with derision among former allies who viewed them as opportunistic.
Internal Unity Through External Conflict
At a packed fringe event hosted by More in Common, Deputy Leader Alex Burghart dismissed any possibility of re-admitting defected MPs, responding with firm repetition: “No, no, no and no.” When asked if he was relieved by their departure, Burghart replied with equal conviction: “Yes, yes, yes and yes.”
Party members echoed sentiments of renewed unity behind Badenoch, crediting Jenrick’s exit as a cleansing moment. “Rob leaving was like pulling out a splinter,” noted one senior figure. Others suggested that Jenrick’s briefings against colleagues had alienated him broadly, making reconciliation unlikely.
While Shadow Minister Aphra Brandreth insisted the party had moved on from Jenrick, subtle hints of lingering tension remained. “Honestly I don’t spend any time thinking about Robert Jenrick,” she said with a smile. Yet the omnipresence of his memory throughout the conference suggested otherwise.
Reform UK Faces Its Own Challenges
Jenrick’s new affiliation with Reform UK has not shielded him from criticism. Accusations of policy mimicry have surfaced, with Jenrick claiming the Conservatives are copying Reform’s platforms. However, Reform itself faces internal strife and declining poll numbers, raising questions about the long-term viability of his political pivot.
Despite outward confidence, some Conservatives privately wonder if Jenrick regrets his dramatic shift. “I do wonder now, though, as Reform falter, if he regrets what he did. I hope so,” admitted one attendee.
Why it Matters
This episode underscores the deepening rift within British conservatism and reflects broader trends in Western politics where populist movements challenge traditional party loyalties. As figures like Jenrick navigate shifting allegiances, the Conservative Party’s attempt to reassert control under Badenbach may signal a return to ideological rigidity or further fragmentation. The satire on display in Birmingham reveals more than just political humour—it mirrors a party grappling with identity, loyalty, and survival in an evolving electoral landscape.