Jenrick defection 'makes it more likely Reform will win next general election'

A leading Reform figure has told Sky News that Robert Jenrick's defection to the party is a "really important milestone" and "makes it more likely that we win the next general election".

Until he was kicked out of the Conservative Party by leader Kemi Badenoch on Thursday, Mr Jenrick was the shadow justice secretary and had served more than 11 years as a Tory MP. Ms Badenoch said she had found out he was plotting to defect in "a way designed to be as damaging as possible" and then sacked him.

Hours later, Mr Jenrick was unveiled as the latest high-profile recruit to Reform UK by leader Nigel Farage, in a week where the party had already welcomed former Tory chancellor, Nadhim Zahawi. Politics latest - follow live Mr Jenrick has conceded he was "resolved" to switch to Reform before he was given the boot.

Speaking about Mr Jenrick's switch, Reform's head of policy Zia Yusuf told Sky News: "My assessment is this is a man who is thoughtful, who is clear-eyed about all of the different ways the Tories betrayed this country and wants to help Nigel, help me, help Richard [Tice] and everyone at Reform repair that damage." Speaking on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Mr Yusuf said: "I also think it's crystal clear that him arriving at Reform makes it more likely that we win the next general election, and I think that's a really important milestone in order for us to do that, to turn the country around." Mr Yusuf also said Reform UK would not make a pact with the Conservative Party and "there isn't space for two centre-right parties". 'The new sheriff in town' It follows reports that Mr Jenrick's plan for his defection referred to him as "the new sheriff in town" and "the biggest defection story Reform has ever had".

The leaked plan also mentioned Mr Zahawi's defection, suggesting it was prepared in recent days, according to The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times. A source close to Mr Jenrick denied he was involved with the document, and said it shows "Rob is just a member of Nigel's team and wants to help get him in as prime minister".

Asked about whether Mr Jenrick referred to himself as the "sheriff.