Sky News Daily From Remainer to Reform: Can Jenrick and Farage really get along?
Jan 16, 2026
Sam Coates, Sky News deputy political editor, delves into Robert Jenrick's controversial defection to Reform UK, highlighting his drastic political reinvention. Natalie Fahy, editor of Nottinghamshire Live, offers insights on local sentiments towards Jenrick, portraying him as ambitious yet disconnected. They discuss the shifting political landscape, including overlapping policies between parties and how Jenrick's local stunts attempt to resonate with constituents. The conversation raises questions about his future within Reform UK and its broader implications for the political right.
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Calculated Political Reinvention
- Robert Jenrick reinvented himself from a Remainer to a hardline Brexiteer to climb the Tory ladder.
- Sam Coates argues his shifts were strategic moves to gain power rather than purely ideological conversions.
Image Makeover And 'Lad' Persona
- Jenrick cultivated a "lad" persona with slimline imagery and social media stunts like wearing funny hats at darts.
- Sam Coates says these image changes were funded and aimed to appeal to a specific white English demographic.
Shrinking Policy Distance
- Policy differences between the Conservatives and Reform UK are narrowing on issues like the ECHR and environmental rules.
- Sam Coates warns that fiscal credibility is the remaining key dividing line between the parties.