Kirstie Allsopp sparks social media row as Channel 4 star blasts 'divisive' Robert Jenrick after Kemi Badenoch sacking

While some backed the presenter’s view, the post also triggered an immediate backlash, with critics accusing Ms Allsopp of political point-scoring and launching personal attacks.

One user wrote: “I can’t help but think the Tories need to be a centre-right proposition in the next election. Celebrating losses of right-wing MPs would seem an odd choice.”

Another said: “He’s one of the only MPs standing up for the British.”

Several commenters also took aim directly at Ms Allsopp, with one describing her as “a bit of a battleaxe”, while another wrote: “That girl is nails.”

Others challenged her use of the phrase “dog whistle”, with one critic writing: “A moronic phrase used by people who want to accuse others of racism but lack the evidence.”

Some users speculated that Mr Jenrick’s political career was far from over, predicting a future move to Reform UK.

“Yes! Killed his career before it began!” one supporter of Ms Badenoch wrote. Another claimed: “He will win a seat in the next general election for Reform. Most Tories won’t.” (sic)

Ms Badenoch said she had “clear, irrefutable evidence” that Mr Jenrick had been “plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible” to the party.

A senior Conservative MP close to the leader told the BBC that the evidence was “incontrovertible” and included a drafted resignation speech and a media strategy designed to accompany a dramatic departure.

Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake later described the evidence as “damning”, adding during an appearance on Politics Live: “Some people want the top job. And Rob can’t have it.”

Yes!! Kemi has fired that divisive, dog whistle shite Robert Jenrick. At last some good news. 🎉

— Kirstie Allsopp (@KirstieMAllsopp) January 15, 2026

Mr Jenrick has not publicly confirmed plans to defect, but Reform UK leader Nigel Farage acknowledged that conversations had taken place and said he planned to speak to the MP following his dismissal.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also weighed in, questioning why it had taken so long for Ms Badenoch to remove Mr Jenrick from her frontbench.

“The Tory party is a sinking ship,” Sir Keir said, as Labour sought to capitalise on the growing sense of disarray among its opponents.

Ms Allsopp, best known for presenting Channel 4’s long-running property programme Location, Location, Location, has previously been outspoken on political issues and is no stranger to controversy on social media.

Ms Allsopp has frequently sparked social media storms and public debate by expressing forthright views on political and social issues, ranging from government policy and Brexit to public services and economic responsibility.

Most recently, the Channel 4 presenter used social media to speak out against antisemitism, arguing that hostility towards all Israelis should not be framed as a form of “freedom fighting”.

She has also publicly defended Ms Badenoch against what she describes as unfair characterisations, engaging in online debates about the Conservative leader’s approach to politics.