Robert Jenrick has come under fire after telling a female radio presenter that she “needs her head checking” during a tense live interview following his defection to Reform UK.
The former Conservative cabinet minister, who defected to Reform last week after being sacked from the Tory shadow cabinet, lashed out after being challenged over the tone and language he used towards senior women in his former party.
The exchange, broadcast on Monday morning, has reignited scrutiny of Jenrick’s conduct following his highly charged press conference announcing his switch of allegiance.
🎙️ Clash with Times Radio presenter
The confrontation occurred during an interview with Kate McCann on Times Radio, where Jenrick was questioned about remarks he made when attacking former colleagues.
McCann pointed out that several of the figures Jenrick had singled out for criticism in recent days were women, including former home secretary Priti Patel, former prime minister Liz Truss, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
“The three names there you’ve criticised directly – Priti Patel, Liz Truss, Kemi Badenoch – they’re all women,” McCann said.
Jenrick immediately dismissed the observation, interrupting her and replying: “What’s that got to do with anything? Sorry, but that’s a completely nonsensical argument. I also mentioned Mel Stride in my speech the other day.”
🗣️ ‘You need your head checking’
The exchange escalated when McCann raised concerns about Jenrick’s repeated mispronunciation of Badenoch’s name during his press conference.
“You repeatedly referred in your press conference to Kemi BAD-enoch,” she said. “Now you know that’s not how she says her name, and you know it irritates her. Why did you do that?”
Jenrick responded sharply: “I honestly have no idea what you’re talking about. If you, Kate, think that this is important, then you need your head checking. What matters here is the state of the country, and the country’s in a real mess.”
McCann pushed back, arguing that voters care not only about policy but also about how political leaders conduct themselves in public.
“Many people watching your press conference suggested it looked quite blokey,” she said. “It was dismissive of female journalists and female politicians.”
⚖️ Accusations of ‘blokey’ conduct
The presenter continued by highlighting what she described as a pattern in Jenrick’s behaviour, including his tone when addressing women during the press conference and interviews that followed.
“You repeatedly called your former leader Kemi BAD-e-noch, when you know that’s not how you say her name,” McCann added.
Jenrick denied any wrongdoing, saying: “Honestly, Kate, I’ve no idea what you’re talking about. I don’t have any memory of that.”
When McCann replied that “most women will know”, Jenrick accused her of making an offensive suggestion.
“And if you’re trying to suggest that somehow I don’t respect women – as a husband, as a father of three daughters – I actually find that extremely offensive,” he said.
🏛️ Fallout from a turbulent defection
Jenrick’s comments come amid intense political fallout following his dramatic defection to Reform UK, just days after being removed from the Conservative frontbench.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she had been shown “clear, irrefutable evidence” that Jenrick had been secretly planning to defect in a manner designed to damage the party.
At the press conference announcing his move, Jenrick launched blistering attacks on former colleagues, describing the Conservatives as “rotten” and “failed” and accusing the party of losing its way.
He also accused Priti Patel of overseeing what he claimed was the arrival of “a million migrants” during her time as home secretary – a figure that has been disputed by multiple analysts.
📉 Pattern of confrontation raises questions
Political observers have noted that Jenrick’s media appearances since joining Reform have been marked by combative exchanges and highly personal criticism of former allies.
While he has repeatedly insisted that he “respects” Badenoch, he has also said he could no longer “trust” the direction she was taking the Conservative Party.
The Times Radio clash has intensified debate about whether Jenrick’s approach reflects a broader cultural shift within Reform, or whether it risks alienating voters concerned about standards, tone and professionalism in public life.
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