Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has brushed aside a deadline set by Reform UK for Tory MPs to defect, suggesting the rival party fears its recruitment drive is already over.
A Deadline Born of Fear?
The political drama unfolded this week after Robert Jenrick, the former shadow justice secretary, abruptly left the Conservatives to join Reform. His exit came just hours after Mrs Badenoch dismissed him from the frontbench and suspended him from the party, accusing him of plotting to jump ship.
In the aftermath, Reform's figurehead Nigel Farage and the party's head of policy, Zia Yusuf, indicated that May 7 would serve as a cut-off point for admitting Conservative defectors. This date coincides with crucial local elections across the nation.
Badenoch's Blunt Assessment
When questioned by the Press Association if she was on high alert for more potential defections ahead of the May deadline, the opposition leader turned the focus back on Reform. "I think people should be wondering why they set that deadline," she stated.
"Perhaps they're worried that they're not going to get anyone anymore," Badenoch added, delivering a pointed critique of Reform's strategy. She framed the entire saga as a distraction from pressing national issues.
"Reform love talking about defections and themselves and polls," she told reporters. "We're talking about the country and what matters to you."
Upholding Standards and Loyalty
Reflecting on what she called an "interesting week," Badenoch told broadcasters her actions had demonstrated she was a "woman of my word." She emphasised her willingness to give people opportunities but outlined a clear red line.
"If there is any sort of behaviour that shows a lack of integrity, that shows a lack of loyalty, a lack of seriousness and just a focus on pure self-interest, that's not something that I will be tolerating in my Conservative Party," she declared firmly.
The defection of a senior figure like Jenrick and the subsequent war of words highlights the ongoing pressure on the Conservative Party from the right, with Reform seeking to capitalise on discontent. Badenoch's dismissal of the May 7 deadline signals her intent to downplay Reform's influence and refocus the political narrative on her party's agenda.
