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Nick Timothy said Robert Jenrick’s departure from Reform UK had instilled a sense of “determination” in the Conservatives and that the party at Westminster was now “more united under Kemi’s leadership than I have known in years”.

Asked about the possibility of further defections, the new shadow justice secretary told BBC Breakfast: “I can speak for myself and tell you that I joined the Conservative Party at 17 and I will die a member of the Conservative Party.

“But the reaction to Rob doing this in Parliament yesterday was actually a surprise but also a dissolution because the party was, I think, more united under Kemi’s leadership than I have known for years.

“And the reaction of my colleagues in Parliament was to be impressed with the way Kemi handled the situation and pleased that she was so determined.”