Leaked Jenrick defection plan calls him ‘the new sheriff in town’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by PA MediaJanuary 18, 2026 at 09:58 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A leaked media plan revealed Robert Jenrick's intentions to defect from the Conservative party to Reform UK, referring to him as "the new sheriff in town." The plan surfaced after Kemi Badenoch fired Jenrick, accusing him of plotting to join Nigel Farage's party. The document suggests Jenrick aimed to support Farage and viewed his defection as a major win for Reform. Jenrick has since criticized the Conservative party as out of touch and claims his move is "uniting the right." Badenoch dismissed Jenrick as inauthentic and driven by personal ambition, while ruling out any pact with Reform, citing their disruptive agenda. Reform has set a deadline of May 7 for accepting Conservative defectors.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Wolverhampton 30% North Nottinghamshire 30% Newark ×240% Britain 50% Nadhim Zahawi 60% Conservative Party (Tories) ×470% Nigel Farage ×370% Kemi Badenoch ×470% Reform UK ×780% Robert Jenrick ×1090%

Keywords

defection 90% reform party 80% robert jenrick 80% nigel farage 70% right wing 60% political party 60% tory party 50% kemi badenoch 50% political strategy 40%