On a Wednesday afternoon, Robert Jenrick participated in a Conservative shadow cabinet meeting, discussing foreign policy alongside Kemi Badenoch. 'He was honestly very positive and chipper,' noted an attendee. However, by the next day, Jenrick's membership in the party he joined as a teenager was terminated due to a leaked document from his own office, prompting his defection to the Reform Party, their key rival.
For some time, Jenrick had been the subject of defection rumors, with insiders picking up worrying signs. 'We'd been in a high state of alert,' commented a senior Conservative. Reports had surfaced of Jenrick, who met Nigel Farage in December, signaling possible moves.
Over four months, Jenrick engaged in multiple covert meetings with Reform, including one-on-ones with Farage. 'There were multiple conversations,' a Farage ally confirmed. Despite speculation, a senior Reform source insisted Jenrick was not promised a top cabinet position.
As Badenoch concluded the shadow cabinet meeting at 17:00 GMT Wednesday, she was shown a leaked draft of Jenrick's defection speech, which condemned shadow cabinet ministers. While Jenrick's allies would not disclose the leaker's identity, they confirmed the document originated from within Jenrick's camp. They rejected claims of carelessness, asserting, 'The speech never left Rob's office.'
Badenoch, along with chief whip Rebecca Harris, deliberated the situation. 'My immediate reaction was it's treachery, it's disloyalty,' a consulted insider indicated. Badenoch's resolve to act quickly stood firm.
By Thursday morning, Badenoch decided to dismiss Jenrick, recording an announcement video detailing his removal from the shadow cabinet and suspension from the Conservative Party. Meanwhile, Jenrick was in Westminster when Tory chief whip Harris informed him of the situation. After an abrupt call, Badenoch's video went public. Jenrick then made a swift call to Farage, finalizing his defection plans without delay.
Jenrick's allies described his defection as a career milestone, with one stating, 'At very little notice and under immense pressure, he delivered a speech and Q&A to the media incredibly well.' The defection was framed as countering claims that Reform is inconsequential. Despite this, Badenoch's backers argue her rising performance in recent months diminished Jenrick's leadership aspirations within the Tories.