Former Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick is poised to join Reform UK following his dismissal by Kemi Badenoch. Badenoch accused Jenrick of planning to defect, backed by Nigel Farage’s confirmation of discussions with Jenrick.
If the move proceeds, Farage may face scrutiny for his past criticisms of Jenrick’s handling of asylum hotels, where the number of occupants surged under Jenrick’s tenure. Farage called Jenrick a “fraud” in response to Jenrick’s actions.
Jenrick, initially a centrist Tory who opposed Brexit, shifted rightward during his time as Home Office minister under Suella Braverman. Farage doubted Jenrick’s sincerity in embracing a harder stance.
Reform UK’s London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, criticized Jenrick for the hotel migrant situation, highlighting the peak in hotel usage. Despite conversations between Jenrick and Reform UK, no formal agreement was imminent.
Following his sacking, Reform UK’s leader mentioned speaking with Jenrick but denied imminent collaboration. Jenrick, in a recent statement, expressed commitment to the Conservative Party leadership race, indicating no plans to depart.