When gaming political strategy you need to consider all the possible outcomes. While Badenoch has bulleted Jenrick suggesting he was about to flip to Reform, he is not yet confirmed as a Farage party member, and it looks like as yet no deal has been done…
Is there a possible outcome where Jenrick continues to sit in Parliament as an independent MP (as he is by default now) and becomes a huge external critic of the Tories outside the tent? That could make him a kind of martyr figure for the Tory right, insiders suggest. Some of his closest allies are saying to Guido that is a possibility this afternoon…
It could be the smart move for Jenrick, whose personal social following could sustain campaigning impact. It also may suit Farage – who will avoid having to answer questions about taking yet another Tory to Reform who has been extensively personal critical of him. It remains to be seen which of the key players has fumbled…
Reacting to the news of Jenrick’s sacking at a press conference in Fife, Nigel Farage said:
“I’ll give him a ring this afternoon. Might even buy him a pint.”