The Tory heartache in Robert Jenrick's constituency: A friend lost, a party divided
For Sam Smith, a seasoned Conservative councillor, Thursday began like any other day. As he prepared for a budget scrutiny meeting at the Nottinghamshire county council hall, where he leads the opposition, a message from his long-time friend and colleague, Robert Jenrick, arrived. It was a simple query about local pubs to counter Labour's proposed business rate hike.
Smith and Jenrick, having been friends for over half a decade, often exchanged messages and met up. Smith proudly led Jenrick's re-election campaign in 2024, helping him avoid a Tory wipeout. This close relationship was evident in their regular communication.
However, the tranquility was shattered when Kemi Badenoch made a startling announcement during the council meeting. Jenrick, a key member of the shadow frontbench, had been sacked from the Conservative party, with 'irrefutable evidence' of his plans to defect. The news left Smith and everyone else in a state of shock.
"I was stunned and went through an emotional rollercoaster," Smith recounted. "Then the personal questions arose: 'Why didn't you tell me? I'm your friend.'"
The close-knit team in Newark, known for their mutual support, had no idea about Jenrick's intentions. Smith's initial reaction was one of disbelief, followed by a desire to hear both sides of the story.
As the day progressed, Jenrick's silence was deafening. Smith attempted to contact Jenrick, but received no response. The media, however, provided a different narrative, revealing Jenrick's defection to Reform UK. At a press conference, Jenrick lashed out at the Conservative government, declaring, 'Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform.'
This revelation was a double blow for Smith. Reflecting on their interactions since September, he felt betrayed by Jenrick's silence and lack of communication. "How many times we’ve interacted professionally, whether that’s helping with case work or council stuff, and to not say that and to not talk to me about it, it’s quite sad," he said.
Finally, around midnight, Smith spoke to Jenrick, who assured him of his intention to inform him before the defection. Despite this, Smith felt a deep sense of betrayal, viewing Jenrick's decision as a betrayal to the voters of Newark and his friends who had supported his re-election.
The defection sparked mixed reactions in Newark. The town, a Tory stronghold since 1979, had seen Labour represent it for one term. Jenrick's majority had decreased in 2024, with the Reform candidate gaining 15% of the vote. Some voters, like 68-year-old Andrew Hind, a butcher shop owner, remained loyal, planning to vote for Jenrick under the Reform banner.
Tricia Gallop, 75, shared Hind's sentiment, praising Jenrick's dedication to the elderly and his active presence in the community. However, others were critical. Catherine, a local charity worker, accused Jenrick of neglecting the area and failing to advocate for the town's renowned stringed instrument-making courses.
Stephen Charnock, a food bank trustee, saw the defection as inevitable, emphasizing the importance of an MP's commitment to the community. "I want somebody who recognises what the areas of concern are within the area," he said.
Despite the defection, Smith remains hopeful that Jenrick can be redeemed. "If he didn’t defect yesterday ... I would defend him to the hilt," he said. Yet, the loss of a friend remains a bitter reality for Smith and the Tory party in Newark.
