Former Tory Minister and Party Leader Trade Accusations in Heated Exchange
Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative MP who recently defected to Reform UK, has ignited a fresh political firestorm by publishing private text messages that he claims show Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris insulting him during a 2024 dispute over foreign aid policy. The escalating row has seen both Jenrick and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuse each other of dishonesty, further straining relations within the party.
Allegations of Insults and Defamation Emerge
Jenrick alleges that Harris contacted him in 2024, following an article he wrote for the Mail on Sunday calling for the UK's foreign aid budget to be halved to fund increased defence spending. According to Jenrick, Harris sent him a message stating there was "a special place in hell" for him, alongside other derogatory remarks. He posted a screenshot of the purported texts on social media, captioning it with the words: "They still won't tell the truth."
The leaked messages, if authentic, show Harris telling Jenrick: "Leave the party and be a commentator... Go away... You're a bloodsucker. You have a really special place in hell." She allegedly continued by criticising his public actions, urging him to use internal party channels instead. The texts also reference former home secretary Suella Braverman, though she remains a Conservative member and has not defected.
Badenoch Denies Claims and Accuses Jenrick of Lying
In response to the allegations, Kemi Badenoch publicly stated that Jenrick was "lying" about the exchange. Speaking to GB News, she emphasised the Conservative Party's policy to increase military spending, potentially at the expense of aid, and dismissed Jenrick's claims as unfounded. "He's lying. And I think it's a real shame he's being allowed to air these views. He's left the party – it's time for him to move on," Badenoch remarked.
A Conservative Party source further accused Jenrick of "lying again and misrepresenting an exchange he had over two years ago." The source argued that the messages were unrelated to foreign aid cuts, instead portraying them as a whip's attempt to reason with someone involved in internal plotting that contributed to the party's poor electoral performance.
Broader Implications for Party Unity and Public Trust
This public spat highlights the deepening divisions within the Conservative Party following Jenrick's defection to Reform UK. The exchange raises questions about:
- The tone and conduct of internal party communications
- The ongoing fallout from defections and internal disagreements
- How such disputes impact public perception of political integrity
As both sides dig in, the controversy underscores the challenges facing the Conservatives as they navigate post-election dynamics and attempts to rebuild cohesion. The row continues to unfold, with no immediate resolution in sight, potentially affecting party morale and strategic direction in the coming months.
