Jenrick’s replacement admits Tories ‘let down’ the country but says public are sick of ‘backstabbing’ – UK politics live

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Tom AmbroseJanuary 16, 2026 at 11:44 AM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Robert Jenrick was sacked from the Conservative party and defected to Reform UK after Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, presented "irrefutable evidence" of his plans. Jenrick, previously a leadership rival to Badenoch, is now a recruit for Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. Nick Timothy, the new shadow justice secretary, apologized for the Conservative party's handling of issues in recent years, acknowledging the country had been "let down." Timothy stated that the public is tired of political "backbiting and backstabbing." Badenoch is expected to address the media later today.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Labour 30% BBC Breakfast 40% UK ×260% Nick Timothy ×370% Nigel Farage ×270% Kemi Badenoch ×480% Reform UK ×280% Conservative Party ×590% Robert Jenrick ×590%

Keywords

political defection 90% reform uk 80% conservative party 80% kemi badenoch 70% robert jenrick 70% uk politics 60% nigel farage 60% shadow justice secretary 50% backstabbing 50% public opinion 40%