The political landscape in Westminster has been rocked by the defection of former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick to Nigel Farage's Reform UK. This move marks the latest dramatic twist in the career of an ambitious politician whose journey from a David Cameron-supporting Remainer to an anti-immigration rightwinger has long been viewed with deep scepticism by his peers.
From 'Robert the Generic' to Farage's Ally
For years, Jenrick's political transformation failed to convince many, most notably Reform UK leader Nigel Farage himself. As recently as last year, Farage branded him a "fraud", dubbing him "Robert the Generic, Robert the Remainer and Robert the I Don't Stand Particularly For Anything At all". Farage questioned whether Jenrick was driven by conviction or merely a desire for "rank, position and all that comes with that".
This scepticism is echoed by some of his former Tory colleagues. One anonymously stated that Jenrick "does not have a truly rightwing bone in his body" but instead follows the political wind to serve his career. Columnist and former Tory MP Matthew Parris offered a similarly scathing assessment, remarking that without ambition, Jenrick "would collapse like a boneless chicken".
A Journey of 'Radicalisation' and Ruthless Reputation
Jenrick, however, insists his shift is genuine, stemming from what he describes as a "radicalisation" during his time as a Home Office minister. Initially a backer of the Remain campaign, his frustration grew over the government's failure to deliver on promises to reduce migration. It was in this role that he ordered the painting over of children's murals, including Mickey Mouse, at an asylum centre to make it appear less welcoming.
He simultaneously cultivated a reputation for political ruthlessness, with advisers known for practising "dark arts" to advance his goals. His resignation as immigration minister in late 2023 was a significant blow to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, with Jenrick declaring the flagship Rwanda deportation scheme "does not go far enough". In the subsequent months, his allies were believed to be behind a coordinated series of attacks, known in Westminster as a "grid of shit", designed to destabilise Sunak's leadership.
Leadership Ambitions and Controversial Campaigning
Following the Conservative election defeat, Jenrick positioned himself as a leadership frontrunner, undergoing a physical makeover and amplifying his presence through direct-to-camera "walk and talk" social media videos. However, suspicions about his loyalty and motives ultimately led the Tory membership to choose his rival, Kemi Badenoch.
Placed in the shadow cabinet as shadow justice secretary, Jenrick frequently strayed beyond his brief. He courted viral attention—and controversy—with videos on topics like tool theft and fare dodging. He faced widespread criticism for suggesting protesters shouting "Allahu Akbar" should be arrested, and for complaining he "didn't see another white face" in a part of Birmingham.
His departure from the party line became increasingly pronounced as he flirted with closer ties to Reform UK, privately claiming to be further to the right on many issues than Farage. This earned him the nickname "Nigel's chancellor" among Conservative colleagues.
A Warning for Farage and a New Loyalty
Former Tory colleagues have issued warnings to Farage, not only about Jenrick's towering ambition but also past brushes with scandal. He was sacked as housing secretary by Boris Johnson after the government admitted his decision to grant planning consent to Tory donor Richard Desmond was unlawful.
Nevertheless, Farage appears to have rewritten his previous criticism, stating he knew Jenrick could be trusted after his 2023 cabinet resignation. "There is no question that Jenrick and I are on exactly the same page today," Farage said, expressing a willingness to forgive former Tories.
In his defection speech, Jenrick took 23 minutes to mention Farage or Reform, first lambasting the "incompetence" of former colleagues. He then struck a note of newfound loyalty, claiming to have set aside personal ambition for the Tory leadership. "I am convinced Nigel and Reform will deliver the real change we need," he declared, completing a remarkable political journey from the heart of Cameron's Conservatives to the foot of Farage's Reform movement.
