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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