The Fourcast Jenrick defects: can Reform win the next election?
Jan 16, 2026
Join Paul McNamara, a Senior Political Correspondent delving into Westminster's chaos, and Henry Hill, Deputy Editor of ConservativeHome, as they explore the fallout from Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. They analyze how this shakeup reflects deeper Conservative Party issues and discuss the potential for Reform to make headway in the next election. From grassroots challenges to leadership credibility, they tackle whether this marks a pivotal moment in UK politics and how it echoes Canada's political splits.
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Badenoch Minimed Immediate Damage
- Kemi Badenoch's quick, decisive handling limited immediate damage to the Conservatives.
- But the party still lacks an internal forum to interrogate failures, leaving dissent to spill into public defections.
Morning Video Looked Like AI
- Journalists initially suspected Kemi Badenoch's morning video was AI because of its blurred background and amateur look.
- The improvised style suggested the party rushed to get a response out quickly to control the story.
Reform's Personnel Shortfall
- Reform faces a major personnel problem if it wants to govern: it needs hundreds of minister-capable people.
- Nigel Farage's style discourages ambitious figures, making talent recruitment a structural hurdle for Reform.