Robert Jenrick sacked from shadow cupboard by Kemi Badenoch over ‘secret plot to go away Tories’: Latest response and updates

On Jan 15, 2026

Updated: 12:06, 15 January 2026

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick from her shadow cabinet following an apparent plot to defect from the party.

Explaining her decision to discipline the shadow justice secretary, Ms Badenoch said she was presented with ‘clear, irrefutable evidence’ that Mr Jenrick was ‘plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible’.

Follow the latest updates and reaction below

Top story: Jenrick sacked after leaving ‘Reform defection speech lying around’

FILE PHOTO: Robert Jenrick Sacked by Conservative Party: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 7: Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Jenrick, speaks on day three of the Conservative Party conference on October 7, 2025 in Manchester, England. Kemi Badenoch goes into her first conference as party leader with current polling putting the Conservative Party in fourth place behind Reform, Labour and the Liberal Democrats (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Kemi Badenoch made a dramatic move to tighten her control of the Tories today by sacking former rival Robert Jenrick for plotting to defect.

In a crucial moment at Westminster that could reshape politics, Mrs Badenoch announced that she had seen ‘irrefutable evidence’ that the shadow justice secretary was intending to betray her.

He is alleged to have left the text a near-completed resignation speech and a ‘media plan’ lying around where it could be discovered – although when challenged by the Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris this morning he apparently protested his innocence.

Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick over ‘secret plot’ to leave Tories

FILE PHOTO: Robert Jenrick Sacked by Conservative Party: LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Kemi Badenoch is congratulated by Robert Jenrick after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest on November 2, 2024 in London, England. The Tory leadership contest was paired down from an original pool of six contenders, to a face-off between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, following Former prime minister Rishi Sunak's resignation as party leader. Sunak announced he would step down on July 5, in the wake of the Conservative Party's crushing defeat in the UK general election. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Hello and welcome to our live coverage following a huge story in Westminster as Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick from her shadow cabinet.

Announcing her decision on social media, Ms Badenoch said she had been presented with ‘clear, irrefutable evidence’ that Mr Jenrick was ‘plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible’ to the Conservative Party.

Mr Jenrick has yet to respond but Reform leader Nigel Farage said he had held conversations with the shadow justice secretary and may call him this afternoon.

Stick with us as we bring you the latest updates and reaction on this story.