London (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 18, 2026 – Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice hinted at another high-profile defection during a BBC interview, following Robert Jenrick’s switch from the Conservatives earlier in the week. Tice refused to confirm whether Jenrick would serve as Reform’s shadow chancellor, deferring decisions to Nigel Farage. On Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Tice responded cryptically to suggestions of ex-Labour peer Kate Hoey joining, stating “patience is a virtue.”
Jenrick’s defection came after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch sacked him from the shadow justice secretary role on Thursday, citing irrefutable evidence of plotting to defect. Tice called Jenrick a “great new asset” with ministerial experience.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described Reform UK as a “vehicle for failed Tories” on the same programme. Tice’s comments arrived amid Reform’s rising polls and Conservative infighting.
The BBC appearance substituted for Nigel Farage, covering Jenrick’s integration, Trump’s Greenland tariffs, and NATO.
Robert Jenrick Sacked by Kemi Badenoch Over Defection Plot
Kemi Badenoch dismissed Robert Jenrick from his shadow justice secretary position on Thursday, simultaneously removing the Tory whip and suspending his party membership. Badenoch cited “irrefutable evidence” of Jenrick secretly plotting a defection designed to damage the shadow cabinet and Conservative Party.
As reported by New Statesman journalists, Conservatives obtained a draft of Jenrick’s defection speech, prompting preemptive action. Plans for a Reform press conference on local government shifted hastily to accommodate Jenrick’s announcement.
Jenrick had served as immigration minister in prior Tory governments and vied unsuccessfully for party leadership against Badenoch a year earlier. His sacking accelerated a defection months in planning.
BBC News confirmed Tory Chief Whip Rebecca Harris notified Jenrick of the measures, amid reports of his dinner with Farage last month.
Chaotic Reform Press Conference Welcomes Jenrick
Nigel Farage welcomed Jenrick at a Reform press conference Thursday, calling him the Tories’ “most popular figure.” Farage thanked Badenoch, joking it was his “latest Christmas present,” claiming 60% certainty Jenrick would join.
Jenrick attacked his former party, stating:
“The Conservative party in Westminster isn’t sorry, it doesn’t get it, it hasn’t changed, it won’t change, it can’t change.”
He blamed Tories for breaking Britain over 14 years in power.
A Tory source told ITV News Jenrick arrived late to the stage, rewriting his speech after Conservatives leaked extracts. Lines included:
“I am proud to become Reform’s 281,000th member. To back Nigel. And join this movement.”
Farage revealed talks with Jenrick for “some weeks, some months,” plus other senior Conservatives and Labour figures, predicting a Labour defection next week.
Richard Tice Welcomes Jenrick and Teases Kate Hoey Switch
Richard Tice addressed Jenrick’s role on BBC Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. Tice labelled Jenrick a “great new asset to Reform” sharing party values, citing strong public reaction.
Pressed on shadow chancellor prospects, Tice noted Reform’s “great range of talent,” with Farage deciding roles at the appropriate time. As detailed by Adam Toms of Daily Express, Tice turned cryptic on Kate Hoey.
Kuenssberg asked if the ex-Labour MP and life peer would join. Tice replied:
“Kate’s a wonderful person. She’s been a good friend of mine personally for many, many years.”
To further pressure, Tice said:
“Patience is a virtue, Laura.”
Baroness Hoey held Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Home Affairs (1998-1999) and Minister for Sport (1999-2001) under Labour.
Political commentator Alan Sked questioned Jenrick’s leadership ambitions within Reform. Alan Sked (@profsked) said in X post,
“Not clear that the Tories have any secrets that Jenrick can give to Reform. But his arrival will cause tensions within its leadership. He wants to be made Chancellor in any Reform government. But so too does Zia Yusuf and maybe Zahawi or Tice. Zia has said nothing so far about J.”
Not clear that the Tories have any secrets that Jenrick can give to Reform. But his arrival will cause tensions within its leadership. He wants to be made Chancellor in any Reform government. But so too does Zia Yusuf and maybe Zahawi or Tice. Zia has said nothing so far about J.
— Alan Sked (@profsked) January 17, 2026
Jenrick Defends Defection as Uniting the Right
Robert Jenrick told BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg his move aimed to “unite the right,” denying personal ambition. He finalised the decision over Christmas, after agonising, with discussions with Farage predating a leaked draft.
Jenrick cited a shadow cabinet retreat disagreement on whether Britain was “broken” as the final straw. Someone close told BBC he decided before Badenoch’s action; timing remained the issue.
Frustrations stemmed from criticism over grooming gangs comments and UK aid to Egyptian detainee Alaa Abd El Fattah under Tory rule.
Radio presenter Iain Dale criticised Jenrick’s motives post-defection. Iain Dale (@IainDale) said in X post,
“Self serving hubristic bollocks from a man who wouldn’t know a principle if he stumbled across it. A total lack of self-knowledge. He slags off the party he wamted to lead. This is one defection I suspect Reform UK will come to regret. With every word he’s proving Kemi right.”
Self serving hubristic bollocks from a man who wouldn’t know a principle if he stumbled across it. A total lack of self-knowledge. He slags off the party he wamted to lead. This is one defection I suspect Reform UK will come to regret. With every word he’s proving Kemi right. pic.twitter.com/McUAZJUpB9
— Iain Dale 🏴🇬🇧 🇬🇱⚒️ (@IainDale) January 15, 2026
Lisa Nandy Labels Reform Vehicle for Failed Tories
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded on the BBC programme, calling Reform UK a “vehicle for failed Tories from the previous administration.” She linked it directly to Jenrick’s departure.
Facing questions on Labour trailing Reform in polls for a year, Nandy said the government toiled to revive the country, with more economic measures needed. Edited by Matt Spivey and Ben Hatton of BBC News, her remarks framed Reform as Conservative remnants.
Nandy defended NHS waiting time reductions and Hillsborough Law progress amid opposition attacks.
Why Kemi Badenoch Sacked Robert Jenrick from Shadow Cabinet
Badenoch acted on “undeniable evidence” of Jenrick’s covert defection plans, per her X post. Reuters reported Conservatives monitored reports of Jenrick-Reform meetings, including Farage dinners.
Tice confirmed Reform’s high alert pre-sacking. Jenrick’s team reportedly contacted journalists on defection possibilities.
The purge reflected shadow cabinet tensions post-2024 defeat, with Jenrick overseeing justice critiques.
Robert Jenrick Joins Reform UK After Conservative Expulsion
Jenrick declared Conservatives lacked “stomach for radical change,” per ITV News. Farage positioned the defection as Tory decline evidence, amid Reform leading some polls.
Jenrick’s arrival marks the second high-profile Tory switch in a week, following former chairman Nadhim Zahawi, per Irish Times.
BBC sources noted Conservatives leaked speech extracts to preempt damage.
Richard Tice Addresses Trump Tariff Threats Over Greenland
Tice called Trump’s 10% tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland “completely wrong.” He urged public rebuke with private negotiations, avoiding media spectacles.
Tice praised NATO as a “successful defensive alliance,” with defence spending pledges. He anticipated Davos talks with Trump.
US Speaker Mike Johnson favoured “diplomatic channels” on Greenland’s strategic US importance.
Lisa Nandy Reiterates Non-Negotiable Greenland Stance
Lisa Nandy deemed tariffs
“wrong, deeply unhelpful and counterproductive.”
The UK position—Greenland’s future for its people and Denmark—remains “non-negotiable.”
Nandy noted no Starmer-Trump call yet but strong US ties. She highlighted doubled marines in northern Norway against Russian Arctic risks.
Jacob Phillips of BBC News recapped her emphasis on consent for changes.
Broader Political Realignments and Party Tensions
Jenrick’s move and Hoey hints signal Reform’s momentum. Conservatives face further haemorrhaging under Badenoch.
Labour navigates Trump frictions while countering Reform polls. BBC panellists Jeremy Hunt, Tracy Brabin, and Kay Burley analysed impacts.
Next Sunday features Liberal Democrat Ed Davey.
Implications for Shadow Cabinets and Opposition Unity
Tice’s role vagueness offers Reform flexibility. Jenrick’s ambitions risk internal frictions, per commentators.
Conservative replacement voiced public fatigue with backstabbing. Labour prioritises delivery amid realignments.
