Robert Jenrick is poised to join Reform UK as the newest addition from the Conservative Party following his dismissal by Kemi Badenoch.
The angry Tory leader alleged she had discovered undeniable proof that her Shadow Justice Secretary was planning to switch sides. Nigel Farage confirmed that discussions had taken place with the former Immigration Minister.
If the transition proceeds, Mr. Farage may face uncomfortable inquiries regarding his prior criticisms of unsuccessful Tory leadership contestant Mr. Jenrick.
Mr. Jenrick has been widely criticized for the asylum hotels controversy, with a significant increase in numbers during his tenure. As Immigration Minister, he oversaw a peak of 56,000 individuals housed in hotels, proudly stating in 2022: “More hotels have been added almost every month throughout the year. What I have achieved is the procurement of even more.” Reacting to this statement last August, Mr. Farage labeled Jenrick a fraud, expressing longstanding doubts about him.
After Mr. Jenrick intervened during tensions in Epping last summer over an asylum hotel, Mr. Farage again criticized him, highlighting the surge in illegal migrants under Jenrick’s watch. In a video accompanying his remarks, Mr. Farage advised the public to consider Jenrick as untrustworthy and labeled him a fraud.
In response, Mr. Jenrick dismissed the critique by stating, “You’re rattled.” Initially a Tory centrist who opposed Brexit, Mr. Jenrick shifted towards the right while serving as a Home Office minister under Suella Braverman.
In 2024, during his bid for Tory leadership, Mr. Farage remained skeptical of Jenrick’s ideological shift, portraying it as politically motivated rather than genuine conviction. He predicted that Jenrick’s hardline stance could divide the party and questioned his longevity within it.
Reform’s London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, recently voiced her disinterest in Mr. Jenrick, blaming him for the surge in hotel migrants. However, the Reform UK leader clarified that although discussions had taken place with Jenrick, no formal agreement was imminent.
During a press conference in Edinburgh following Jenrick’s dismissal, the Reform UK leader disclosed ongoing conversations with Jenrick, hinting at potential future engagements. This situation presents a challenge for Jenrick, who recently asserted his commitment to the Conservative Party leadership race.
Opt for Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for immediate access to valued news content.