Overview
- Robert Jenrick formally left the Conservatives for Reform UK after being suspended by Kemi Badenoch, saying he had resolved to go earlier and arguing that Britain is “broken” as he backs Nigel Farage.
- A leaked media plan describing Jenrick as “the new sheriff in town” and “the biggest defection story Reform has ever had” was reported to have reached Badenoch’s team before his sacking; Jenrick’s camp says he did not draft it.
- Nigel Farage set 7 May as a cut-off for accepting defectors and called it “make your mind up time,” while Reform figures suggest a Labour defection could be revealed this week, which remains unconfirmed.
- Badenoch rejected any pact with Reform and cast it as a disruptive force, as senior Conservatives attacked the party’s approach and allies warned Farage that Jenrick will not play a subordinate role.
- Several Conservatives publicly ruled out switching parties as debate grew over whether Reform’s gains signal a unifying realignment of the right or a vote-splitting risk ahead of the May elections.