Conservatives in Newark say it is “business as usual” after their MP defected to Reform.
Newark MP Robert Jenrick, a member of the Shadow Cabinet, dramatically announced he was joining Reform hours after being sacked from the party by leader Kemi Badenoch.
Chairman of the Newark Conservative Association Keith Girling was shocked by the news but say the party will now move on.
Mr Girling said: “I feel absolutely let down, we are a good strong party, we have supported Robert every step of the way and we all feel pretty sore at the moment.”
“We will find a new strong local candidate, we will fight Robert at the next general election and we will win.”
Keith GIRLING
He continued: “We will just move on. We will find a new strong local candidate, we will fight Robert at the next General Election and we will win.”
When asked about the reaction of people who voted for Mr Jenrick in the elections, Keith Girling said: “They are not taking it very well, even the Reform voters. They think it’s disgraceful to join their party.”
Nottinghamshire was one of the number of county councils where Reform took control in last year’s local elections, winning 41 seats out of 66.
It followed Reform’s first-ever success in the 2024 General Election when their first five MPs were elected.
“It is Business as usual as far as I am concerned”
KeITH GIRLING
Despite the rise of Reform and Mr Jenrick’s exit, Mr Girling is not concerned for the future of his own party.
He said: “I truly believe the Reform bubble will burst.
“The reality check is kicking in, we are exposing their incompetence.”
After Mr Jenrick’s departure, the Newark Conservative Association say they are concentrating on the future.
Mr Girling said: “It is business as usual as far as I am concerned.
“We are a strong force and the community recognise that.”
Mr Jenrick was first elected as Conservative MP for Newark in the 2014 by-election and was the only Tory MP to be elected in Nottinghamshire at the 2024 election.
