Tories are 'stronger than ever' insists justice replacement

THE Conservatives are stronger than ever after Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform UK, his replacement as Shadow Justice Secretary has insisted.

- BY JONATHAN WALKER Whitehall Editor

Nick Timothy rejected Mr Jenrick's criticism of other senior Tories, saying the defector's "characterisation of my Conservative colleagues is completely inaccurate".

The public are "sick of the backstabbing" and this week's dramatic events have united Tory MPs behind party leader Kemi Badenoch, Mr Timothy said.

He said the reaction among Conservatives was "one of surprise that Rob would do this - but also resolve, because the party, I think, is more united under Kemi's leadership than I've known it for many years".

Mr Timothy, above, added: "Rob's been a friend of mine for some time.