The Conservative Party is facing significant internal turmoil following the high-profile defection of former minister Robert Jenrick to Reform UK. His move on January 16, 2026, however, is merely the latest in a growing exodus of Tory MPs who have abandoned the party.
The Growing List of Defectors
Jenrick, who was sacked as shadow justice secretary after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch uncovered what she called a 'secret plot', is now the 21st current or former MP to join Nigel Farage's party. In a stinging critique, Jenrick labelled both main parties as 'rotten' and 'no longer fit for purpose', though he notably arrived late to his own defection announcement.
This steady stream of defections has forced Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to publicly insist that 'we are not the Tory Party 2.0.' The list of those who have crossed the floor includes several prominent names:
- Robert Jenrick: The Cambridge-educated MP for Newark, a former Housing Secretary and immigration minister.
- Lee Anderson: The MP for Ashfield who defected in March 2024, becoming Reform's first-ever MP.
- Nadhim Zahawi: The former Conservative Chancellor, whose defection immediately preceded Jenrick's.
- Danny Kruger: The MP for East Wiltshire who stated the Conservative Party 'is over'.
- Other defectors include Ben Bradley, Nadine Dorries, Sir Jake Berry, and Andrea Jenkyns.
Political Impact and Expert Analysis
According to political expert Alastair Jones, the true damage of a defection lies in whether it triggers a wave of further departures. 'What we have seen is a very gradual trickle, in most cases, of ex-Conservative MPs leaving the Conservative Party and joining Reform,' he noted. He argued that Badenoch's decision to sack Jenrick before he could defect proactively mitigated the harm to the Tories.
'Kemi Badenoch is looking like a leader, and her sacking of Jenrick demonstrated the extent to which she has actually started to take control,' Jones said. 'Jenrick’s defection has not been as positive for Reform or as negative for the Conservatives as it could have been because she was so swift in removing him.'
Who Could Be Next?
Speculation continues to swirl around other Conservative figures who might follow suit. Names rumoured to be considering a move include former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, former Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Meanwhile, there is also talk of a potential defection from the Labour Party, though analysts suggest this may be strategic noise from Reform designed to create unease. Jones concluded that any Labour defection would only be consequential if it involved a senior Cabinet member, rather than a backbench MP.
The political landscape continues to shift as Reform UK consolidates its position, built significantly on a foundation of disaffected Conservative politicians.
