Nottinghamshire Conservatives 'hurt' as ‘role model’ Robert Jenrick defects to Reform

The Tories confirmed on January 15 that Mr Jenrick had been sacked from his roles as shadow justice secretary and shadow lord chancellor by the party’s leader Kemi Badenoch.

His party membership was also suspended and the whip removed from him in Parliament, after Ms Badenoch had been ‘presented with clear, irrefutable evidence’ he was plotting a defection.

Within hours of his sacking, Mr Jenrick announced he had joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

The news has left Mr Jenrick’s closest Conservative allies – and those who consider him a friend – wounded.

Coun Sam Smith, Conservative group leader on Nottinghamshire Council, who represents Newark East at County Hall, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "I’m gutted, I’ve lost my role model and someone I’ve invested so much work and time into supporting.

“I was his closest person in Newark and he didn’t have the courtesy of warning me ahead of this mess.

"That hurts, but we have a good team in Newark so we move forward and keep fighting on together.”

Fellow county councillor Mike Adams (Con) added: “I really like Rob, I’m sad to see this happen.

“If what’s happened is verbatim, Kemi had no choice and I back her all the way.

“We are such a close team over here, and it’s hard to take when one of your own signs for Derby (making reference to Nottingham Forest’s big East Midlands rivals).”

Mr Jenrick’s defection leaves Nottinghamshire without a single Conservative MP for the first time in more than 50 years.

However, it also means the county now has two Reform MPs with Mr Jenrick joining Ashfield’s Lee Anderson in representing the county for Reform at Westminster.

Coun Mick Barton, Reform leader of the county council, told the LDRS Mr Jenrick was ‘very welcome’.

He said: “I think it’s a great appointment.

“He has loads of experience, he’s held ministerial positions and is an ex-cabinet member – his experience will be invaluable.

“I have no concerns whatsoever, he’s realised this country needs change and he’s joined the party that will deliver change.

“It is the beginning of the end for the Conservative Party.”

Coun Paul Peacock (Lab), Newark & Sherwood Council leader, said he wanted to dispel rumours that Mr Jenrick had made any approach to the Labour Party, branding them as ‘not true’.

He continued: “It’s worth recalling that until very recently the Tories were the Government and ran both the county and district council and during that time, over a number of years, our quality of life, our spending power and our public services have been greatly reduced.

“Former Tory members joining the Reform party won’t change the past and won’t erase the public’s memory.

“I hope the public can also recognise the difference between private ambition and public service – these are two very different things.

“Finally, my relationship with Robert won’t change, I am committed to improving life chances for people across Newark & Sherwood, I hope Robert shares that commitment.”