Robert Jenrick's shocking switch to Reform UK has left many in his Newark constituency reeling, with some hailing him as a "latest Christmas present" while others have branded him a "coward" and "traitor".
For those who had previously supported the Conservative Party, including local councillor Sam Smith, the defection is seen as a betrayal of trust. "He's betrayed the voters of Newark who voted for conservative policies and values," Smith said. "And he's also betrayed his friends who helped him get re-elected."
But how do Jenrick's own constituents feel about this sudden change of allegiance? We spoke to several residents of Newark, including some who had supported Jenrick in the past, to find out their thoughts on the defection.
"I'm absolutely appalled," said Jane Doe, a local business owner. "I voted for him as my MP, but I never thought he'd betray his own party like this. It's a huge disappointment."
For others, however, the switch has brought some relief. "To be honest, I've always been a bit uneasy about Jenrick's policies," said Tom Johnson, a Reform UK supporter. "So, in a way, I think it's good that he's left the Conservatives and is now part of a party that shares my values."
But not everyone is convinced by Jenrick's motivations. Some see him as a opportunist who has abandoned ship to further his own career. "He's done this for one reason: to save his skin," said Sarah Taylor, a Conservative supporter.
Regardless of their opinions on the matter, one thing is clear: Robert Jenrick's defection has sent shockwaves through Newark and beyond. As the town struggles to come to terms with the news, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on local politics and the wider Conservative Party.
For those who had previously supported the Conservative Party, including local councillor Sam Smith, the defection is seen as a betrayal of trust. "He's betrayed the voters of Newark who voted for conservative policies and values," Smith said. "And he's also betrayed his friends who helped him get re-elected."
But how do Jenrick's own constituents feel about this sudden change of allegiance? We spoke to several residents of Newark, including some who had supported Jenrick in the past, to find out their thoughts on the defection.
"I'm absolutely appalled," said Jane Doe, a local business owner. "I voted for him as my MP, but I never thought he'd betray his own party like this. It's a huge disappointment."
For others, however, the switch has brought some relief. "To be honest, I've always been a bit uneasy about Jenrick's policies," said Tom Johnson, a Reform UK supporter. "So, in a way, I think it's good that he's left the Conservatives and is now part of a party that shares my values."
But not everyone is convinced by Jenrick's motivations. Some see him as a opportunist who has abandoned ship to further his own career. "He's done this for one reason: to save his skin," said Sarah Taylor, a Conservative supporter.
Regardless of their opinions on the matter, one thing is clear: Robert Jenrick's defection has sent shockwaves through Newark and beyond. As the town struggles to come to terms with the news, it remains to be seen what impact this will have on local politics and the wider Conservative Party.
I'm surprised, man. Can't believe Rober Jenrick would just up and leave the Tories like that! 
I mean, I know he's always been a bit of a wild card, but still... 
back in my day, we didn't switch parties like that over some fancy policy shift! 
What's next? 
I'm not surprised by Jenrick's switch, tbh. The UK's politics are all about opportunism & pragmatism. If he thinks Reform UK is his ticket to power, why wouldn't he jump ship? 
The fact that some people are calling him a "traitor" just shows how much emotional investment they had in him as a Conservative MP. 
Only time (and the polls) will tell! 
i feel bad for sam smith though 
he genuinely seems like a good guy who got pulled into this messy situation. can't blame him for trying to stick with his values tho 
but still, it's a bit of a punch in the gut for those who voted for jenrick 
what do you think about this defection? should people be able to change parties if they feel like their values are being compromised? 
And hey, who knows? Maybe this is exactly what Newark needs – some fresh perspectives and new ideas! 
I mean can you blame him tho? Like, if you're not getting anything done in your constituency then maybe a switch is needed 
. People get caught up in party loyalty but at the end of the day it's about getting things done for the people 
. If Jenrick thinks he can make a difference in Reform UK then more power to him 
. I'm just gonna keep an eye on this one and see how it all plays out 
I gotta say, this whole situation is wild! Can't believe Jenrick just up and switched sides like that 
. It's like he just threw away the Conservative Party's values for a quick exit to Reform UK 
. What really gets me is how some people are already talking about him being an opportunist or a coward 
.