Private texts allegedly from a Tory official have been published by Robert Jenrick after the party’s leader, Kemi Badenoch, accused him of lying.
This comes after the MP, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK last week, claimed Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris contacted him in 2024 to say there was «a special place in hell» for him.
He alleged Ms Harris «messaged me with a litany of insults» after he wrote an article for the Mail on Sunday, in which he called for the UK’s foreign aid budget to be halved to fund an increase in defence spending.
When asked about the allegation, Mrs Badenoch said Mr Jenrick was «lying» about the exchange and said it was her party’s policy to spend more money on the British military and «take it away from aid».
Mrs Badenoch told GB News earlier on Friday: «He’s lying. And I think it’s a real shame he’s being allowed to air these views. He’s left the party – it’s time for him to move on.»
But hours later, Mr Jenrick posted an image of messages purporting to be from Ms Harris, which he captioned with the words: «They still won’t tell the truth.»
The screenshot posted by Mr Jenrick
According to the purported texts, the chief whip told Mr Jenrick: «Leave the party and be a commentator… Go away… You are a parasite.
«You have a reserved spot in hell.»
She allegedly continued: «Publicly criticizing us just to boost your ego for reasons unknown / if you are unhappy with the current situation that’s fine – please address it through your party connections but not in public – it would be better if you and Suella [Braverman] announce you are stepping down now.»
«You have lost your mind,» Ms Harris seems to have added.
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Robert Jenrick has shared private texts allegedly from a Tory official after accusations of lying from the party’s leader, Kemi Badenoch. It follows his recent defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK, claiming that Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris contacted him in 2024 and said there was «a special place in hell» for him.
The MP alleged that Ms Harris sent him a series of insults after he wrote an article advocating for a reduction in the UK’s foreign aid budget to increase defense spending. In response to the allegation, Mrs. Badenoch stated that Mr. Jenrick was lying about the exchange and reiterated her party’s stance on military spending over aid.
Despite the heated exchange, Ms. Harris remains a member of the Conservatives and has not left the party. Hours later, Mr. Jenrick posted an image of the messages he received from Ms. Harris, captioned with the words «They still won’t tell the truth.»
The row between Mr. Jenrick and his former party is the latest development in an ongoing war of words following his defection. The texts revealed a strained relationship between the two parties, with accusations of dishonesty and personal attacks. «You are a parasite,» she allegedly said. «You have a reserved spot in hell.» She went on to express her displeasure, stating, «Publicly criticizing us just to boost your own ego, for reasons only known to you. If you are dissatisfied with the current situation, that’s fine – please use your political connections to address it privately. It would be best if you and Suella [Braverman] announced your resignation now.»
Ms. Harris seemed to suggest, «You have completely lost touch with reality.»
Conservative Party Source’s Response
A source from the Conservative Party responded to the accusations made by Mr. Jenrick, stating that he was once again spreading falsehoods and distorting a conversation that took place over two years ago. They clarified, «The messages have nothing to do with cutting foreign aid. Instead, they highlight a government whip attempting to reason with someone who was collaborating with the ‘Grid of Shit’ plotters, contributing to a Labour victory and the worst outcome in Conservative Party history.»
They added, «With his penchant for betrayal and drama, Jenrick seems to be a perfect fit for Reform.»
The Ongoing Conflict
The dispute marks another chapter in the ongoing war of words between Mr. Jenrick and his former party since his defection. Despite the mention of Ms. Braverman in the text by Ms. Harris, it is important to note that she is still a member of the Conservative Party and has not left the party.
In conclusion, the exchange between individuals within the Conservative Party highlights the internal tensions and conflicts that can arise within political organizations. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals involved in the political sphere. The differing perspectives and opinions showcased in the conversation underscore the diversity of thought and the need for open dialogue and communication within political parties. Ultimately, the resolution of such conflicts relies on mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to working towards common goals for the betterment of society.
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Por Michael Bunting
“I’m Michael Bunting, Communications Director with over 20 years of experience in corporate reputation, crisis management, and digital strategy. I have led teams in multinational companies and agencies, advised executives, and designed high-impact strategies. I am driven by transparency, innovation, and leveraging communication as a competitive advantage.”