Nick Timothy said Robert Jenrick’s defection to Reform UK had left the Conservatives with a feeling of “resolve” and the party in Westminster is now “more united under Kemi’s leadership than I’ve known it for many years”.
Asked about the prospect of further defections, the new shadow justice secretary told BBC Breakfast: “Well I can speak for myself, and I can tell you that I joined the Conservative Party as a 17-year-old and I will die a member of the Conservative Party.
“But the reaction yesterday in Parliament was actually 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.
“And the reaction of my colleagues in Parliament was to be impressed by the way Kemi handled the situation and pleased that she’s been so decisive.”
