In this insightful conversation, Alex Forsyth, a BBC political correspondent, examines Robert Jenrick's rise in politics. They discuss Jenrick's defining moment in the 2014 Newark by-election, defeating UKIP, and how he became the first millennial cabinet minister under Boris Johnson. The duo delves into Jenrick's political evolution, from centrist to hardliner, and his controversial stances, especially on the Rwanda immigration plan. Personal anecdotes reveal his family life, showcasing his relatable side amid the fierce competition for Conservative leadership.
Robert Jenrick's political ascent began with a significant victory in the 2014 Newark by-election, showcasing his effective campaigning skills against UKIP.
His evolving political stance on Brexit and immigration reflects ongoing challenges in establishing credibility while navigating party dynamics and controversies.
Deep dives
Robert Jenrick's Political Journey
Robert Jenrick's political career began with a notable trajectory, starting from his early days as a Conservative candidate during the Newark by-election. Despite initially losing the 2010 general election, he secured a significant victory in 2014, presenting a confident image amidst a high-stakes political battleground against UKIP. His effective campaigning skills caught the attention of party leadership, positioning him as a rising star in the Conservative Party. Over time, Jenrick showcased a pragmatic approach to politics, evolving his views in response to shifting electoral landscapes and party dynamics.
Early Life and Influences
Jenrick's early life and background have significantly influenced his political values, having grown up in a working-class family with a strong emphasis on hard work and small business ideals. His upbringing instilled in him a belief that success should be rewarded and shaped his political philosophy centered on community values and family importance. Entering the Conservative Party at a challenging time in the late 1990s, he demonstrated a commitment to his beliefs despite societal pressures. His resilience and dedication to conservative principles have remained evident throughout his career.
Handling Controversy and Criticism
Throughout his career, Jenrick has adeptly navigated controversies, including scrutiny over his actions while serving as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. One significant incident involved approving a contentious planning application after dining with a developer, raising questions about bias and integrity. Although the decision was ultimately ruled unlawful, Jenrick maintained that he acted with an open mind and was exonerated in review proceedings. His ability to manage such pressures reflects his composure and confidence in high-stakes political situations.
Shifts in Political Stance
Jenrick has experienced notable shifts in his political stance, particularly regarding Brexit and immigration policies, which have raised questions about his authenticity. Initially a supporter of the Remain campaign, he has since adopted a more hardline approach, advocating for stricter immigration controls post-referendum. His resignation as immigration minister highlighted this transformation, as he criticized the government's Rwanda deportation plan for being ineffective. This evolution in his political identity presents both opportunities and challenges in his pursuit of leadership within the Conservative Party, as he works to establish his credibility among party members.
This is a bonus episode profiling one of the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership election, Robert Jenrick.
Adam and Alex speak to Mark Spencer, former MP for Sherwood who has known Robert Jenrick since 2014 and as MPs for neighbouring constituencies. They discuss how Robert Jenrick became an MP after defeating UKIP in the 2014 Newark by-election, how he became the ‘first millennial cabinet minister’ under Boris Johnson and how he’s rebranded for this leadership contest.
You can listen to the profile of Kemi Badenoch here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0k058cc
You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Gemma Roper with Miranda Slade. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham
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