Robert Jenrick, a prominent former Conservative leadership contender, has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, throwing the British Right into political disarray. His defection makes him the highest-profile MP to join Farage’s insurgent party, now counting six members in the House of Commons, including Farage, Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, Sarah Pochin, and Danny Kruger.

The drama unfolded swiftly at Westminster, as Jenrick's plan was exposed by a Tory mole who discovered a draft of his defection speech. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded immediately, announcing his sacking and expulsion for plotting in secret to damage the party. Chief Whip Dame Rebecca Harris delivered the news personally, adding a strategic slight to her leadership rival.

Jenrick confirmed his defection in a joint press conference with Farage, urging centre-Right voters to rally behind Reform UK and criticizing the Conservative Party for betraying its founding principles. He also revealed he would not contest a by-election in his Newark seat, citing that constituents were already aware of his views.

Farage welcomed Jenrick’s arrival, noting that Badenoch’s actions had helped push him into Reform’s arms. Jenrick is reportedly set to take on the role of Reform’s “shadow chancellor,” boosting the party’s economic profile. Farage predicted that the Tories might “cease to be a national party” after the upcoming local elections and hinted at unveiling a prominent Labour supporter in the coming weeks.

The defection had been months in the making, with secret meetings between Jenrick and Farage since September, including a dinner at the private members' club 5 Hertford Street before Christmas. Jenrick’s speech was designed to maximally damage the Tories, including scathing commentary on Sir Mel Stride, Chris Philp, and Dame Priti Patel. His frustration at not securing the shadow chancellorship after Badenoch’s leadership victory fueled the move.

Reactions from Jenrick’s former colleagues ranged from anger to shock, with some calling him a snake and questioning his judgment. The defection also complicates any efforts to unite the Right against Labour, with Jenrick ruling out a formal pact. Labour leader Keir Starmer praised the “chaos on the Right,” describing the wave of Tory defections as evidence of a party in decline.

Jenrick’s political career has been marked by ambition and controversy. Previously sacked from Boris Johnson’s cabinet over the approval of a Tory donor’s housing development, he later served briefly in the Department of Health under Liz Truss and as Immigration Minister under Rishi Sunak. His resignation in December 2023 over border control issues underscored his opportunistic streak, according to critics.

The relationship between Jenrick and Farage has historically been strained. Farage once called Jenrick a “fraud,” and Jenrick had openly dismissed Farage’s leadership capabilities. Yet, Jenrick now claims that only Farage can defeat Labour and “turn the country around,” despite lingering skepticism within Reform UK.

Outside politics, Jenrick’s personal life has drawn attention. Raised in Shropshire by working-class parents, he attended Cambridge and worked as a solicitor in London and Moscow. His wife, Michal Berkner, has her own political ambitions and reportedly influenced his rebranding after the leadership loss. This latest defection cements Jenrick’s reputation as ambitious, controversial, and willing to take bold steps to secure high office.