Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick over Reform defection plot

Evening Standard

Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick over Reform defection plot.She posted on X: "I have sacked Robert Jenrick from the Shadow Cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership with immediate effect.I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his Shadow Cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party.The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I. They saw too much of it in the last government, they’re seeing too much of it in THIS government. I will not repeat those mistakes."

Transcript

00:00This morning, I removed the Conservative whip from Robert Jenrick after dismissing him from the Shadow Cabinet.

00:07I was very sorry to be presented with clear, irrefutable evidence, not just that he was preparing to defect,

00:15but he was planning to do so in the most damaging way possible to the Conservative Party and his Shadow Cabinet colleagues.

00:22It is my responsibility to protect our party, and faced with that information, I took the only decision that any responsible leader could.

00:33Because the British public are tired of political psychodrama. So am I.

00:38They saw too much of it in the last government, they've seen too much of it in this government.

00:43I will not repeat those mistakes.

00:46When I was elected leader, I committed to doing politics differently.

00:50Disloyalty and dishonesty undermine trust in politics.

00:55They're also disrespectful to our party members, our councillors, MPs, and most of all, voters.

01:02You all deserve better.

01:05Conservatives suffered a heavy defeat in 2024.

01:09That was painful, but we are rebuilding.

01:11With strong principles, clear plans, and with a serious team united around a shared purpose.

01:18When individuals choose to walk away from that effort for personal ambition,

01:24that tells you nothing about the Conservative Party and everything you need to know about them.

01:30There will be more to say, and I know a lot of commentary about this decision.

01:34But I want you all to be in no doubt.

01:38At a time of global uncertainty, I am focused on holding the government to account,

01:44ensuring they are acting in the national interest,

01:46and that Conservatives deliver a proper plan for a stronger economy,

01:51stronger borders, and a stronger Britain.

01:54I want you all to be in no doubt.

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