Jenrick's move is massive - but could it cause an ever bigger fight on the right?

"Some Conservatives are accusing him of lying and treachery. They say he sat in meetings with colleagues in the last seven days discussing party strategy normally. He even, one source claimed to me, told the chief whip when challenged on the morning of his defection that it was "nonsense" and that he was "gobsmacked". EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Hours later, Jenrick did appear grinning alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for the public handshake sealing the deal after, remember, being sacked."

"Did he serially deny thinking about going to Reform in the last few months? Yes. Do we know now that he'd been talking to them since the autumn? Yes to that too. Jenrick's answer to accusations of lying, and to the evidence he misled people, is to claim he is the one now being truly honest about the state of the country and the de"

Robert Jenrick has defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, becoming the party's most high-profile defector and a favoured figure among some Conservative members. He brings campaigning skill, media savvy, government experience, parliamentary knowledge and insider awareness of Conservative leadership dynamics. His defection raises questions about trust, with some Conservatives accusing him of lying after allegedly denying plans and telling colleagues he was 'gobsmacked' when confronted. Jenrick maintains he is being honest now about the country's condition and is serious about his political future. The move could intensify competition on the right as Reform UK seeks broader national appeal.

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