Robert Jenrick defects to Reform UK after Conservative party suspension

The Guardian - World NewsEN 5 min read 100% complete by Jessica Elgot and Rowena Masonand Libby BrooksJanuary 15, 2026 at 08:55 PM

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Robert Jenrick, formerly a Conservative shadow justice secretary, defected to Reform UK on Thursday after being suspended from the Conservative party. Kemi Badenoch, a Tory leader, sacked Jenrick after discovering evidence he was plotting to defect. Jenrick denounced the Conservatives as "rotten" and "failed," citing irreconcilable divisions and policy failures. Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, welcomed Jenrick, calling it a major acquisition. Discussions between Jenrick and Reform UK reportedly began in September, facilitated by a former Tory advisor. Jenrick will not be calling a by-election in his Newark constituency.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Suffolk 30% Newark 30% Tim Montgomerie 35% Nick Timothy 40% Labour Party 40% Westminster ×250% Nigel Farage ×475% Kemi Badenoch ×580% Reform UK ×485% Conservative Party ×690% Robert Jenrick ×1095%

Keywords

defection 100% conservative party 90% reform uk 90% robert jenrick 80% political schism 70% kemi badenoch 60% nigel farage 60% british right 50% party suspension 50% political allegiance 40%

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Negative

Score: -0.40

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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defection conservative party reform uk robert jenrick political schism kemi badenoch nigel farage british right party suspension political allegiance

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