Robert Jenrick sacked latest: Badenoch urged to publish ‘irrefutable evidence’ Tory rival was about to defect
Why Robert Jenrick was sacked and what ‘irrefutable evidence’ was found
- Robert Jenrick has been sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the Conservative Party amidst allegations he was planning to defect to Reform UK.
- Kemi Badenoch, who removed Jenrick, stated she had "clear, irrefutable evidence" of his plot to leave the party in a damaging way, including reports of meetings with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and a draft resignation speech.
- Nigel Farage confirmed having conversations with Jenrick, expressing "little doubt" that Jenrick was considering switching to Reform UK, and noted the benefit to his party.
- Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake branded Jenrick's alleged move "treacherous," while former MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg urged Badenoch to publish the evidence to avoid appearing to have "kneecapped a potential challenger."
- The incident leaves Jenrick politically homeless and is seen as a significant gain for Reform UK, potentially providing them with a more experienced figure.