What Farage and Jenrick have said about each other ahead of possible Reform defection

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"Robert Jenrick has been sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the Conservative Party amid widespread speculation he was planning to defect to Reform UK. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said there was irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his colleagues, with the chief whip informing him of his dismissal over the phone on Thursday morning."

"Meanwhile, Nigel Farage said he has of course had conversations with the former senior frontbencher, but said that he was very surprised by the announcement, and that he had not come to any agreement with the former shadow justice secretary. Mr Jenrick has attracted speculation about leadership ambitions since being defeated in his bid to take over the party's reins in 2024, repeatedly breaking shadow cabinet ranks and becoming increasingly vocal on social media on issues such as immigration."

The Independent covers major issues including reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech, investigating financials and producing documentaries while highlighting facts and messaging. The outlet seeks donations to fund reporters and to keep reporting free without paywalls, supported by those who can afford it. Robert Jenrick was sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the Conservative Party amid speculation he planned to defect to Reform UK. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch alleged irrefutable evidence of secret plotting to defect in a damaging manner, with the chief whip informing him of his dismissal by phone. Nigel Farage said he spoke with Jenrick but denied any agreement.

Read at www.independent.co.uk