Residents in Newark react after their MP defects to Reform UK following months of denials

The political shockwaves from Robert Jenrick’s defection to Reform UK are still rippling through Newark, where voters, councillors and party supporters are grappling with the sudden shift by their long-standing MP.

After months of publicly denying any intention to switch allegiances, Jenrick confirmed last week that he had joined Reform UK, triggering fierce reactions across the political spectrum. While Reform leader Nigel Farage celebrated the move as an unexpected gift, many within Jenrick’s former party responded with anger, branding his actions disloyal and damaging.

In Newark, the sense of disbelief has been particularly sharp. Local Conservative figures reacted with dismay, describing the defection as a profound breach of trust with voters who had repeatedly backed Jenrick under the Conservative banner. Sam Smith, a councillor in the area, said the move represented a betrayal not only of the electorate but also of colleagues and supporters who had worked to secure Jenrick’s re-election over multiple campaigns.

For many residents, the defection raises uncomfortable questions about representation. Newark voters cast their ballots expecting Conservative policies and priorities to be defended in Parliament. Jenrick’s decision to cross the floor has left some constituents questioning whether their original vote still carries the weight they intended.

The reaction, however, is not uniform. While some feel abandoned, others are curious about what the move could mean for local politics. Reform UK supporters in the constituency may see the defection as a gain, believing it gives the party greater credibility and influence. For them, Jenrick’s arrival is viewed as an opportunity to amplify Reform’s presence and challenge the dominance of traditional parties.

The uncertainty has sparked debate among both Conservative and Reform voters about what comes next. Some Conservatives are asking whether Jenrick should continue to represent Newark after abandoning the party platform on which he was elected. Others argue that MPs should be free to change their political alignment if they believe it reflects their principles or their constituents’ interests.

Meanwhile, Reform voters are weighing the potential benefits of gaining a sitting MP with ministerial experience, while also questioning how well Jenrick’s past positions align with Reform’s priorities. His defection has intensified local discussions about political loyalty, accountability and the meaning of party affiliation in modern British politics.

The Guardian’s community team has said it wants to hear directly from people living in Newark to better understand how the defection is being received on the ground. They are particularly interested in perspectives from Conservative and Reform voters, and how they feel about either losing or gaining Jenrick as their MP.

Residents are being invited to share their views on whether the defection alters their trust in local representation, what it means for Newark’s political future, and how they believe Jenrick’s move will affect the constituency going forward. Contributions can be shared anonymously by those aged 18 or over.

As national political leaders trade barbs and frame the defection in dramatic terms, the mood in Newark appears more conflicted than celebratory. For some, the move confirms fears about political opportunism. For others, it represents a break from a party they feel no longer speaks for them.

What is clear is that Jenrick’s decision has unsettled the political landscape of his constituency. Whether it strengthens Reform UK locally or deepens voter cynicism remains an open question, one that Newark’s residents are now being asked to answer in their own words.