In a dramatic pre-emptive strike, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch sacked her shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick, and expelled him from the party just hours before he was due to defect to Reform UK. The move followed the discovery of Jenrick's entire resignation speech, which had been leaked to senior figures in Badenoch's office.
The Discovery of the Leaked Speech
Just four days before his expulsion, Jenrick had spoken "at length" with Badenoch on the phone about party strategy. Despite long-standing rumours about his future, the Tory leader had no concrete proof of his plans until Monday. That day, her senior aides were sent screenshots of what one source described as "irrefutably" Jenrick's complete resignation statement and accompanying media plan.
The double-spaced speech urged fellow Tories to defect with him, claiming the party had "lost its way". It singled out senior colleagues Priti Patel and Mel Stride for criticism and declared Nigel Farage the "right person" to lead the country. The discovery sent shockwaves through Badenoch's top team, who were reportedly stunned by the betrayal, even though Jenrick's aides had been openly speculating about a defection at party events.
A Swift and Decisive Response
Fearing that Farage would drop heavy hints during a scheduled BBC appearance, Badenoch's advisers urged immediate action. "Kemi was regretful; she wished we weren't in this position," a source said. "But she was absolutely clear and focused: Rob had to go." There was no attempt to confront or win over Jenrick, as aides believed he would simply defect immediately if challenged.
Badenoch delegated the dismissal call to Chief Whip Rebecca Harris, a move an ally called "delicious". Jenrick reportedly denied the plans angrily during the call. Meanwhile, Badenoch hastily recorded a video message laying out the charges against him. She released it just after 11am, timed to coincide with Farage's press conference in Scotland, ensuring journalists would confront the Reform leader with the news.
Farage Caught on the Hop and Jenrick's Eventual Defection
Farage appeared unprepared, suggesting Badenoch had "panicked" and insisting no deal was done. "I'll give him a ring this afternoon," he told journalists. "I might even buy him a pint." However, the breathlessness was short-lived. Later that afternoon, at Reform's London headquarters, Farage confirmed the worst-kept secret in Westminster, announcing Jenrick as their highest-profile defector.
In a twist, Farage claimed Jenrick hadn't been planning to join imminently and "might not have joined at all", accusing Badenoch of handing him a prized recruit. Jenrick, who was delayed after getting lost in Millbank Tower, finally arrived and launched into a speech criticising his "rotten" former party, echoing the criticisms found in his leaked resignation text.
Fallout and Political Repercussions
Condemnation from within the Conservative Party was swift and brutal. Jenrick was labelled a "coward" and a "traitor" by fellow MPs. A former cabinet minister stated, "Jenrick was a snake in the grass in the Rishi years, you cannot trust him." In contrast, Badenoch drew widespread praise for her decisiveness, with one MP calling her an "Iron Lady with a titanium overlay."
Badenoch's team were reportedly euphoric at outmanoeuvring her former leadership rival. "She's blown him up with his own grenade, very decisive, no pissing about, fair play to her," a senior Tory said. The episode highlights the deepening fractures on the British right and marks a significant escalation in the political war between the Conservatives and Reform UK.
