Tories to step up attacks on Reform economic policy after Jenrick acrimony

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Peter Walker and Kiran StaceyJanuary 16, 2026 at 07:16 PM

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Following Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK, the Conservative party plans to aggressively target Reform's economic policies. The move, spurred by internal acrimony and Jenrick's criticism of the Conservatives, signals an intensified battle between the two right-leaning parties. Jenrick claims he is "uniting the right," while Conservatives like Kemi Badenoch dismiss his departure and question his honesty. The Conservatives believe Reform's economic policy is a weakness and hope to shift voter focus from migration to the economy. The parties are unlikely to form any deals, setting the stage for a direct competition for votes in upcoming elections.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

BBC 30% UK 30% Scotland ×240% Wales 40% Labour 40% Nigel Farage 50% Conservatives ×880% Kemi Badenoch ×680% Reform UK ×685% Robert Jenrick ×790%

Keywords

economic policy 90% conservative party 80% reform party 80% political right 70% party defection 60% voter attention 50% kemi badenoch 50% robert jenrick 50% internal polling 50%