Robert Jenrick is set to be announced as the newest addition to Reform UK from the Conservative party following his dismissal by Kemi Badenoch.
The outraged Tory leader alleged she had uncovered undeniable evidence suggesting her Shadow Justice Secretary was planning to switch sides. Nigel Farage confirmed that discussions had taken place between him and the former Immigration Minister.
Should the transition proceed, Mr. Farage may face challenging inquiries regarding his past remarks about the unsuccessful Tory leadership candidate, Mr. Jenrick.
Mr. Jenrick has been widely criticized for the asylum hotels controversy, with a significant surge in numbers during his tenure. As Immigration Minister, the hotel occupancy reached a staggering 56,000, and in 2022 he boasted about the continuous addition of new hotels throughout the year.
Expressing his doubts, Mr. Farage labeled Jenrick as a fraud based on his actions, criticizing him for the surge in illegal migrants residing in hotels. Mr. Jenrick, previously a centrist who opposed Brexit, shifted towards the right during his time as a Home Office minister under Suella Braverman.
Despite Mr. Jenrick’s ideological transformation, doubts lingered in 2024 when he vied for the Tory leadership. Mr. Farage questioned the authenticity of Jenrick’s newfound hardline stance, suggesting it was more for political advantage than genuine conviction, potentially causing division within the party.
Reform’s London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, also expressed disapproval of Mr. Jenrick, attributing the surge in hotel migrants to his tenure. However, the Reform UK leader clarified that while discussions had occurred with Mr. Jenrick, no formal agreement was imminent.
In the aftermath of Mr. Jenrick’s dismissal, the Reform UK leader mentioned engaging in conversations with Mr. Jenrick, hinting at potential future interactions. Despite the developments, Mr. Jenrick recently affirmed his commitment to the Conservative Party leadership race, indicating he has no intentions of stepping back.
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