Tetchy Nigel Farage has introduced former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick as his latest defector, despite previously criticizing him. Jenrick joined Farage’s right-wing party shortly after being dismissed by Kemi Badenoch, who accused him of scheming against her. Badenoch discovered the plot when documents were carelessly left by a member of Jenrick’s team.
During the announcement with Farage, Jenrick lamented the state of Britain and criticized the Tories for failing the electorate. Despite an awkward moment when his defection was revealed, Jenrick refrained from personally apologizing for his past actions. Farage emphasized that he was bringing in individuals who acknowledged their mistakes and were committed to making amends.
Labour labeled Jenrick as a shameless opportunist for defecting to Farage’s party. The move marked the 24th ex-Tory MP to switch sides. Despite previous public clashes between Farage and Jenrick, the Reform leader seemed to have a change of heart regarding the sincerity of Jenrick’s conversion.
Jenrick’s departure from the Conservatives was triggered by his expulsion from the Shadow Cabinet by Badenoch, who accused him of secretly plotting to defect in a damaging manner. While Jenrick denied leaving out of personal ambition, he criticized both Labour and the Conservatives for their failures in governance.
Farage hinted at further defections from Parliament before May’s local elections, setting a deadline for those interested in switching sides. In response to Jenrick’s move, Labour and the Liberal Democrats criticized him for his past actions and his alignment with Reform. Badenoch, on the other hand, shrugged off any concerns about Jenrick, stating that he was now Farage’s responsibility.