A heated exchange has erupted between former Conservative MP Robert Jenrick and Tory leadership figures, with accusations of dishonesty over a controversial “special place in hell” message.
The row centres around Jenrick’s recent defection to the Reform UK party, and his claims that Conservative chief whip Rebecca Harris insulted him during a row over foreign aid policy in 2024. Jenrick, who left the Tories last week, posted a screenshot on social media which he said showed Harris making the inflammatory remark.
However, both Jenrick and current Tory minister Kemi Badenoch have now accused each other of lying about the incident. Badenoch, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, strongly denied Jenrick’s version of events, insisting the screenshot was fabricated.
“Robert Jenrick is not telling the truth about this incident,” Badenoch stated. “The screenshot he has shared is clearly doctored, and does not reflect what actually occurred. I was present at the time and can say with certainty that no such remark was made.”
Jenrick has hit back, standing by his account and asserting that Badenoch is the one being dishonest. “I have no reason to lie about this,” the former MP said. “The screenshot speaks for itself – it shows the insulting language used by the chief whip. I’m disappointed that the Government is now trying to cover this up.”
The dispute has reignited tensions within the Conservative Party, with the defection of Jenrick to the rival Reform UK party further destabilising the Tories. The row also comes at a sensitive time, with the Government facing criticism over its foreign aid spending plans.
Jenrick, who served as Housing Secretary under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has accused the current Tory leadership of betraying the party’s principles. In his resignation statement last week, he claimed the party had abandoned its commitment to “low taxes, free markets, and personal responsibility.”
However, allies of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have rallied to defend the Government’s record, insisting that the party remains true to its core values. Badenoch has dismissed Jenrick’s criticisms as “baseless” and insisted that the Conservatives are “united” behind Sunak’s agenda.
The bitter dispute over the “special place in hell” message is the latest in a series of internal feuds to rock the Conservative Party in recent months. With tensions high and the next general election looming, the row is likely to further damage the Tories’ efforts to present a united front to the electorate.
