Former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick has issued a direct challenge to his former colleagues, stating that any MPs considering defecting to Reform UK must "make their minds up soon" as the party accelerates its growth.
Rallying Cry in Newark
Speaking ahead of a Reform UK rally in his Newark constituency in Nottinghamshire on Monday 19 January 2026, Jenrick told LBC that the party was advancing rapidly. The former shadow justice secretary, who was sacked by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch just hours before announcing his own defection last Thursday, emphasised the urgency for potential recruits.
"Well, Nigel (Farage) has said that any member of parliament who shares our values and principles is welcome in Reform," Jenrick stated. "But they've got to make up their minds soon, because this party is moving fast. And after the May elections, we really hope to have made massive progress across the whole of the country."
Defectors Declare a New Political Home
Addressing hundreds of cheering supporters at the rally, Jenrick expressed unwavering confidence in his decision. "I have never felt stronger and more certain about anything I have done in my life," he declared. He explained his move was a rebellion against defending the indefensible and a belief that only Reform could fix Britain.
His defection was swiftly followed by that of Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, who announced on Sunday evening he was joining Reform. Rosindell, a Conservative member since 2001, cited the party's "failure on the issue of Chagossian self-determination" as a key reason for resigning as a shadow foreign office minister. Their arrivals bring Reform's total number of MPs to seven.
Farage's Vision to Replace the Conservatives
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage used the rally to proclaim a unification of the centre-right under his party's banner. He set out an ambitious goal for the movement, telling supporters, "We will replace the Conservative Party as the main opposition party in British politics."
Farage argued the next general election could be the last chance to turn the country around and expressed confidence in victory. When asked by the BBC if he feared falling out with the new recruit Jenrick, Farage replied, "So far, so good. There's no reason why we should," noting Jenrick had been a leadership favourite before his defection.
Reform UK chairman David Bull delivered a scathing assessment of the Conservative record, listing open borders, a shattered economy, and a broken healthcare system as their legacy. "Let me tell you, the Tories can never, ever be trusted again," he asserted, blaming them for failing to deliver the promised benefits of Brexit.
