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Kemi Badenoch’s sacking of Robert Jenrick for allegedly plotting to defect has turbocharged speculation the former Tory MP will join Reform UK. If the ex-shadow justice secretary were to do so, he would join a growing line up of former Conservative MPs who have jumped ship, prompting criticism that Nigel Farage’s outfit is becoming another version of the Tory party.

This week saw former top Tory Nadhim Zahawi join Reform’s line up. Other Conservatives who have joined Mr Farage’s ranks include Nadine Dorries, Andrea Jenkyns, Jake Berry, Jonathan Gullis and Danny Kruger.

Mr Farage has denied Reform is turning into a retirement home for former Tories, arguing the outfit needs politicians who have experience of being in government. However, the list of former Tories to have joined Reform keeps growing.

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The charge that Reform UK is becoming the Conservative Party 2.0 is a key line of attack from opponents, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, commenting on Mr Jenrick, said the country is seeing a flood of Tory politicians and ex-politicians joining Reform because “they know that the Tory Party is a sinking ship”.

He added: “Equally, from Reform’s point of view, you’ve got Nigel Farage who is welcoming these failed politicians into his ranks and building his party as a party of the Tory politicians who let the country down so badly.”

Mr Farage has said previously that he expects more Tories to defect to Reform UK and has hinted that a Labour politician could soon join the outfit.

Reform’s leader has insisted the group is distinct, but the growing number of former Tories among its ranks risks Reform’s status as an upstart, anti-establishment challenger to Labour and the Conservatives.