Overview
- Conservative leaders said a mole in Jenrick’s team supplied a near-final defection speech and media plan, and they released extracts minutes before Reform’s event.
- Jenrick appeared with Nigel Farage in Westminster to confirm his switch, accusing the Conservatives of lacking the resolve for the radical change he says Britain needs.
- Kemi Badenoch removed the whip, suspended Jenrick’s membership and installed Nick Timothy as shadow justice secretary.
- The move extends a series of Conservative defections to Reform, including Nadhim Zahawi earlier this week, with both parties positioning for May’s local and devolved elections.
- Farage acknowledged talks with Jenrick and disputed the timing of Badenoch’s action before welcoming him as a significant addition to Reform.