World

Jenrick defects to Reform UK after being sacked by Tories

January 15, 2026

Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative shadow minister, has defected to Reform UK hours after being sacked by party leader Kemi Badenoch for allegedly plotting to leave. During his introduction by Nigel Farage, Jenrick criticized the Conservative Party as 'rotten' and claimed they had betrayed their voters, marking a significant shift in the UK's political landscape.

Former British nservative Party member Robert Jenrick with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at a press nference, as Jenrick has announced he has defected from the untry's nservative Party to the right-wing Reform UK Party, in London, January 15, 2026

Credit: Co

Key Highlights

Robert Jenrick was sacked by Kemi Badenoch before announcing his defection to Reform UK.
Jenrick criticized the Conservative Party, labeling it 'rotten' and accusing it of betraying voters.
Nigel Farage introduced Jenrick as a new member of Reform UK, stating that negotiations had been ongoing.
Badenoch claimed she had evidence of Jenrick's plotting to damage the Conservative Party.
Jenrick had approached Farage about joining Reform UK four months prior to his defection.

Sources

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