Nadine Osman
Pressure is mounting for the removal of Robert Jenrick as the UK’s Shadow Justice Secretary after leaked messages revealed his apparent admiration for a far-right, anti-Muslim social media account. This latest revelation adds to a growing list of Islamophobia-related controversies linked to the former Minister of State for Immigration.
Last month, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) called on Conservative Leader, Kemi Badenoch, to take decisive action, urging Jenrick’s removal from the shadow cabinet and a full investigation into his conduct. The controversy stems from messages leaked on December 23, 2024, in which Jenrick referred to himself as a “great admirer” of an account on X notorious for promoting Islamophobic and far-right content.
The leaked messages, first reported by The London Economic, have drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about Jenrick’s judgment. In the messages, Jenrick wrote, “I am a great admirer of your tweets. You are right to hold me to account, like any politician. I think we agree, however, on what needs to happen.” The account in question, which has over 120,000 followers, has a documented history of posting hateful and extremist content.
MCB Secretary General, Zara Mohammed, questioned how Jenrick could have been unaware of the account’s controversial reputation. “It seems impossible for Jenrick to have not seen the regular Islamophobic and far-right hate posted by this account. Yet he has declared himself a great admirer and agrees with its far-right views on what needs to happen next,” Mohammed said.
The MCB underscored the broader issue of Islamophobia within the Conservative Party, framing this incident as a test of Badenoch’s leadership. “With the scale of Islamophobia endemic within the Conservative Party and recently being propagated by some of the most powerful figures in the world, Ms. Badenoch cannot allow what appears to be support for such Islamophobic and extreme content from a member of her shadow cabinet,” Mohammed stated. The MCB confirmed plans to file a formal complaint with Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ).
The leaked messages are the latest in a series of incidents that have sparked criticism of Jenrick’s views on Islam and immigration. On January 7, 2025, Jenrick drew further backlash for comments linking “backward views on women” to certain migrant communities.
He tied these views to the over-representation of Pakistani men in grooming gang cases, stating, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that some individuals arriving in this country come from cultures where women are not treated as equals. It is our duty to scrutinize this and ensure such attitudes do not take root here.” Advocacy groups condemned the remarks as inflammatory and accused Jenrick of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Muslim communities.
Jenrick’s earlier comments during his Tory leadership bid have also resurfaced. In the wake of far-right summer riots, he suggested that protesters chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greater) should face immediate arrest. He claimed the phrase was “aggressive and intimidating,” arguing it was associated with acts of terrorism.
Prominent Muslim MPs, including Labour’s Naz Shah and Afzal Khan as well as former Conservative chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, criticized Jenrick for fostering stereotypes and linking Islam to extremism. Shah described his statements as “deeply irresponsible,” warning they contribute to a narrative that targets Muslim communities.
Labour MP Oliver Ryan also weighed in, telling The London Economic, “It’s a horrible message to spread at this time of year, and it’s certainly not very Christian! It’s pandering to extremists, and more importantly, it’s very concerning that a man with those views is the Tory pick for justice secretary.”
As calls for his removal grow louder, Jenrick faces increasing pressure to address the controversies surrounding his conduct and rhetoric. For now, the issue remains a test of the Conservative Party’s commitment to tackling Islamophobia and maintaining accountability within its ranks.
