University of Surrey Professor Comments on Jenrick’s Political Move

Published on: 16 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 17 Jan, 2026

Dr Mark Shanahan

By Martin Giles

Commenting on today’s defection of Robert Jenrick from the Conservatives to Reform UK, Dr Mark Shanahan, Associate Professor of Political Engagement from the University of Surrey, said: “This marks both a significant high point for the insurgent right-wing party, and an unlikely staging post for the MP who, just over a decade ago was the face of the ‘Cameroons’ – the socially and economically centrist wing of the Conservative Party.

“Jenrick voted for the UK to remain in the EU, yet in recent years has rebuilt himself as the acceptable voice of the right: tough on crime, tough on immigration – and a tough colleague for Kemi Badenoch to handle once she became leader of the Conservative Party.

“Jenrick was never going to fall into line behind Badenoch. He remained a rival and has continually tried to push the party rightwards, while favouring an enhanced relationship with Reform. But now he’s gone: presumably to join the Farage camp.

“Badenoch has stolen his thunder and got in first by sacking him – though his departure will be a significant blow to the party. He looks set to become a sitting Reform MP, marginal in Parliament, but with a big profile in the media and face recognition around the country.

“He adds heft to Farage’s team, but will each be able to cede any of the public limelight to the other? Farage will be 66 by election time and may be looking at leaving the front line, especially if he fails to become PM at the next election. Jenrick now looks his likely successor.

“But when it comes down to it, Jenrick is loyal only to himself. Farage may look smug today, but could soon be looking over his shoulder.”

Angela Richardson

Former Conservative MP for Guildford, Angela Richardson believes Jenrick’s earlier sacking from the Shadow Cabinet, removal of the whip, and party membership suspension of further strengthened Kemi Badenoch’s leadership position. She said: “[It] has significantly solidified since her conference speech in October, her robust takedown of Rachel Reeves’ dire budget, as well as her success in holding the visionless Keir Starmer to account each week on his multiple u-turns and inability to deliver the change he promised for our country.

“Earlier in the week we witnessed the flop of the Zahawi defection and now we have the spectacle of the deflated Jenrick balloon, no matter how hard he tried to puff it up again with a distasteful diatribe of disloyalty.

“The fizz is going out of Reform’s position in the opinion polls. This is desperate stuff to try and shore up the slide. It won’t work. The country is wising up to Reform. Britain is struggling, but it’s not broken. Offering doom and despair rather than hope and a plan doesn’t work.”

Graham Drage

But Graham Drage, chair of Reform UK Guildford, believes Jenrick’s decision to join Reform UK is politically significant. He said: “It reflects a frank assessment of where British politics has gone wrong. He has acknowledged that the Conservative Party is responsible for many of the problems it now claims to oppose (a record he was part of) and his move represents a return to the centre-right principles of responsibility, law and order and national self-confidence.

“We welcome that decision, while recognising that the Conservative Party as a whole shows little appetite for similar reform.

“Reform UK is not a personality-led project or a refuge of convenience. It is a party with a clear platform: democratic accountability, limited and effective government, energy realism and respect for taxpayers’ money.

“As the May county elections approach, Jenrick’s move reinforces what many voters in Guildford already feel – that Reform is now a serious and credible force. These elections matter locally, shaping decisions on highways and transport, council finances, planning and public safety.

“Voters want councils that focus on delivery, value for money and common sense. Reform UK’s priority in Guildford and across Surrey is to bring that focus back to local government and ensure residents see real improvements where it counts.”

Responses to University of Surrey Professor Comments on Jenrick’s Political Move

Douglas Hainline Reply

April 9, 2026 at 10:31 am

So, when someone leaves the Conservatives for another party, their spokesmen consider it a victory. King Pyrrhus of Epirus lives again!

Surely a wise leadership would ask, why are our MPs (and members, and voters) leaving us for Reform? What did we do, or fail to do, during our 14 years in office that has caused this?