Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has shrugged off speculation that her former leadership rival Robert Jenrick poses a threat to her position, following reports he added hundreds of Tory members to a WhatsApp group—an act that raised eyebrows across Westminster.
Speaking on the local election campaign trail in Cambridgeshire, Mrs Badenoch insisted she was leading a “great team” and remained focused on the upcoming May 1 elections. The intervention follows a report by the Guido Fawkes website claiming Mr Jenrick had created a WhatsApp group with over 600 members, prompting rumours of a potential leadership manoeuvre.
Asked directly if she had been part of the group, Mrs Badenoch quipped: “Yes, and then no, I think is the correct answer to that.” She went on to suggest the event had been blown out of proportion, remarking: “I think he’s running a marathon. That’s what I’ve been told.
“I don’t really understand yet what happened with the WhatsApp group, but it’s not the first time this week that loads of journalists and politicians have been added to a WhatsApp group. Seems to be the trend these days.”
Mr Jenrick, who served as shadow justice secretary and was the runner-up to Mrs Badenoch in the Conservative leadership contest following last summer’s general election defeat, has remained a prominent voice within the party. His recent digital organising has been viewed by some as an attempt to galvanise support ahead of potential future leadership turbulence.
Pressed on whether she perceived him as a threat, Mrs Badenoch was unequivocal: “I have a great team, and I’m leading a team that is uniting the Conservative Party.
“What we’re really focused on now is ensuring that people understand that voting Conservative at the local elections is the only credible option. Look at Birmingham, where rubbish is piled high on the streets, rats running around. I’m really worried about what will happen if loads of councils are no longer Conservative-run.”
The Tory leader has been touring England in recent weeks, positioning her party as the safe pair of hands when it comes to managing councils. She has stressed competence and fiscal responsibility as key themes of the Conservative local campaign.
However, Mrs Badenoch has also acknowledged the difficult political climate, particularly with pressure from Reform UK, which is threatening to siphon votes away from traditional Tory supporters. She has warned voters: “You will have to live with what you vote for,” if they back insurgent parties over established candidates.
During her stop in Cambridgeshire, Mrs Badenoch visited a local surgical robotics company, where she was greeted warmly by Paul Bristow, the Conservative candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor, whom she embraced upon arrival.
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On the factory floor, the Tory leader was shown an array of cutting-edge instruments including miniature surgical scissors, tissue graspers, and precision hooks. She tried out a console used by surgeons to remotely control robotic arms and observed various components under testing.
She noted the company’s eco-friendly approach, observing: “In terms of electricity costs, you’ve been able to minimise your own impact,” after learning about the firm’s use of triple glazing and solar panels.
At one point, Mrs Badenoch handled a component designed to mimic the motion of a human wrist. “It’s very heavy,” she said, examining the complex mechanical piece.
As the local elections approach, Mrs Badenoch’s leadership appears secure—at least for now. But with murmurs of internal repositioning and Mr Jenrick’s growing visibility, she may have to balance party unity with watchful eyes on those who could yet challenge her authority.
