In a surprise move that has sent shockwaves through the British political landscape, former Conservative MP Robert Jenrick has announced his defection to the Reform UK party. The leaked media plan, obtained by the office of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, paints Jenrick as a key asset for Reform, describing him as “the new sheriff in town” and “the biggest defection story Reform has ever had.”
The document, which appears to have been annotated by Jenrick himself, suggests that the former shadow justice secretary is seen as a dynamic politician who can provide the experience and “political heft” that Reform needs to achieve its goals. The plan also highlights Jenrick’s perceived significance, noting that he is “the most popular Tory shadow cabinet member” and a “leader in waiting if Kemi ever fails.”
Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, has welcomed Jenrick’s arrival, stating that he is “thoughtful” and “clear-eyed about all of the different ways the Tories betrayed this country.” Yusuf also believes that Jenrick’s defection increases the likelihood of Reform winning the next general election.
However, not all within Reform have embraced Jenrick’s move, with Yusuf notably absent from the press conference announcing the defection. Additionally, the party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, refused to confirm whether former Labour MP Kate Hoey, who left the party more than seven years ago, would be the “well-known” figure from Labour set to join Reform next week.
The fallout from Jenrick’s defection has been swift, with Badenoch and Jenrick trading barbs in the media. Badenoch has accused Jenrick of having “a pastiche of what he thinks the right wing is, and then he performs towards it,” while Jenrick has claimed that the Conservatives have become “out of touch with ordinary voters,” and that the divide in British politics has become “Reform’s workers’ party versus the Tory posh party.”
As the political landscape in the UK continues to shift, the implications of Jenrick’s high-profile move to Reform UK remain to be seen. However, it is clear that this development has the potential to significantly impact the future of British politics.
