Robert Jenrick, a prominent figure in UK politics, announced his defection from the Conservative Party to the Reform Party on January 16, 2026. During a press conference, Jenrick expressed respect for fellow politician Kemi Badenoch but dismissed her prospects of leading the Conservatives to electoral victory. He stated, “Kemi has as much chance of being the next prime minister as Zack Polanski,” referencing the Green Party leader.
Jenrick’s comments came just a day after he participated in a Shadow Cabinet meeting where Badenoch serves as the party leader. His defection marks a significant shift in political alliances, as he previously held the position of shadow justice secretary before being dismissed by Badenoch over suspicions of his intentions to leave the party.
In a pointed critique of the Conservative Party, Jenrick clarified that he believes there will be no collaborative effort between Reform and the Conservatives. “Why would people who feel the Conservative Party let them down want to invest in them the future of the country? That’s not going to happen,” he remarked, emphasizing his belief that the way forward involves rallying behind Nigel Farage and Reform to challenge Labour’s leadership under Keir Starmer.
Jenrick also directed his ire at senior Labour figures, specifically targeting Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride and Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel, accusing them of contributing to the country’s pressing issues, including a rising welfare bill and immigration challenges. He articulated his lack of confidence in the Conservative Party’s ability to address these matters effectively, stating, “I don’t believe for one minute that the Conservative Party would get a grip on immigration… because it hasn’t apologised for the mistakes it made when it was in office.”
The dramatic turn of events unfolded as Jenrick revealed he had been in discussions with Reform’s leadership since September. His decision to leave the Conservative Party was expedited by his dismissal from his shadow cabinet role, after Badenoch learned of his defection plans.
At the press conference, Nigel Farage introduced Jenrick as the sixth MP to join Reform, asserting that he would take a prominent role within the party. Farage characterized the current state of the Conservative and Labour parties as “rotten,” claiming they have failed to serve the interests of the British public.
“Both broke Britain, and neither can fix it,” Farage stated, underscoring his commitment to positioning Reform as a viable alternative. He criticized the Conservative government for its fiscal management, citing that taxes are at a 70-year high and national debt has tripled during their tenure.
Jenrick’s defection is not an isolated incident; it follows a trend of political realignment, with two sitting MPs—Lee Anderson and Danny Kruger—and numerous former MPs, including Nadhim Zahawi and Nadine Dorries, recently joining Reform. Farage hinted at further announcements regarding additional defections from Labour in the coming week.
The political landscape in the UK continues to evolve as parties grapple with internal dissent and shifting voter sentiments. Jenrick’s defection signals a growing divide within the Conservative Party and raises questions about its future direction as it faces increasing competition from Reform.
