By David Wilcock, Deputy Political Editor For Mailonline Published: 08:35 EDT, 2 November 2024 | Updated: 08:57 EDT, 2 November 2024

Defeated Robert Jenrick’s wife struggled to hide her disappointment today as the Tories picked Kemi Badenoch as their new leader instead of him.Michal Berkner was expressive as the result was announced in central London today on live television.The high-flying corporate lawyer, who has been described as ‘a force of nature’ by Tory MPs, began applauding Ms Badenoch’s win alongside her husband before trying to give up after a few seconds.But she started again with a roll of her eyes as she realised that everyone else around her – including her defeated spouse – had kept going.She then congratulated the party leader with a somewhat rictus grin before Ms Badenoch made her way to the stage to give her first speech as leader. And her displeasure was obvious to watching social media users. One quipped: ‘Robert Jenrick’s ”gracious loser” face needs work. His wife’s attempt is non-existent.’ The high-flying corporate lawyer, who has been described as ‘a force of nature’ by Tory MPs, began applauding Ms Badenoch’s win alongside her husband before trying to give up after a few seconds. But she started again with a roll of her eyes as she realised that everyone else around her – including her defeated spouse – had kept going. She then congratulated the party leader with a somewhat rictus grin as Ms Badenoch made her way to the stage to give her first speech as leader. Ms Berkner has been described as the driving force behind her husband’s campaignKemi Badenoch paid tribute to Mr Jenrick after her election, saying he fought a great campaign.’Rob, we have all been impressed by your energy and your determination. You and I know that we don’t actually disagree on very much, and I have no doubt that you have a key role to play in our party for many years to come,’ she added.Ms Berkner, who is nine years older than her husband, with whom she has three children, has been a central figure in his leadership campaign.She was a high profile presence at his side at the Conservative Party conference earlier this year. The pair met at Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom – a New York law firm which has done work for Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich. Ms Berkner, who is nine years older than her husband, with whom she has three children, has been a central figure in his leadership campaign. She was a high profile presence at his side at the Conservative Party conference earlier this year. The pair met at Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom – a New York law firm which has done work for Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

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So much for Tory unity! Robert Jenrick’s wife Michal Berkner stops clapping early and rolls her eyes as Kemi Badenoch is named party leader instead of her husband