Tory politician Robert Jenrick was reportedly labeled the “new sheriff in town” in his media strategy as he prepared to switch to Reform UK. The leaked plan also claimed he would be the most significant defection story for Nigel Farage’s right-wing party. The leaked documents, discovered by Kemi Badenoch after she dismissed Jenrick from her Shadow Cabinet, indicated that Jenrick, formerly dubbed “Robert Generic,” was set to defect within days.
According to internal planning documents from Jenrick’s team revealed by Badenoch, the documents described Jenrick as a pivotal figure, stating, “You’re the biggest defection story Reform has ever had, the most popular Tory Shadow Cabinet member, leader-in-waiting if Kemi ever falls, and the most dynamic politician in the Conservative Party.” The plan also highlighted Jenrick as the “new sheriff in town” bringing experience and political strength to Reform’s operations and emphasizing his support for Nigel Farage.
A source close to Jenrick denied his involvement in drafting the document, while a spokesperson for Jenrick clarified that Jenrick was part of Farage’s team aiming to help him become prime minister. Tracy Brabin, the Labour Mayor of West Yorkshire, criticized Reform as a refuge for unsuccessful Tories, suggesting that those who cannot progress within the Conservative Party are seeking to defect.
Reform has recently celebrated a defection from the Labour Party as well. When asked about potential defectors, Labour’s Lisa Nandy humorously dismissed the idea of Health Secretary Wes Streeting joining Reform. Nandy also hinted at concerns about Farage potentially leading a fascist government if he were to become Prime Minister, cautioning against divisive labeling.
Ms. Nandy refrained from explicitly stating that Farage would lead a fascist government but alluded to the importance of recognizing potential risks. She emphasized the need to be vigilant against divisive forces and highlighted the significance of observing actions rather than labels in determining true intentions.