Robert Jenrick suffered an embarrassing gaffe at a Reform UK rally in Plymouth when he asked audience members to stand up if they work, and only a small number did. The party's treasury spokesperson was speaking at the event when the question backfired, forcing him to think on his feet.
He then tried to show Reform attracts entrepreneurs by asking those who run a business to stand, which drew an even more muted response. Expanding his criteria, he said: 'If you are now drawing your pension, stand up with them.' At that point, the majority of the crowd stood up.
Viral clip sparks mockery
The clip has since gone viral on social media, with viewers mocking a party that has previously claimed to be the 'real party of workers'. One comment said: 'Not the best question to ask at 2.30pm on a Monday.' Another said: 'He had to go onto pensions as hardly anyone stood up. What an embarrassment.'
A third, seemingly impersonating Jenrick, said: 'If you work, stand up! Oh, errr, if you've ever worked…stand up! If you are or ever have been married to someone that has ever worked, stand up. There we go…'
Reform's pitch to workers
The stunt backfired for the party that has attempted to become the political home of working Britain, promising tax cuts, an improved economy, and the end of what it has branded 'Benefits Britain' under a Reform government. Media outlet PoliticsJoe claimed Jenrick gave an 'impassioned speech to a room full of benefits claimants', mocking Reform's attacks on the UK welfare system, which state pensions technically fall under.
The speech came during Reform UK's rally in Plymouth, dubbed '100 Days to Save Britain'. Party leader Nigel Farage also made headlines by accidentally calling the location Portsmouth, prompting a mix of boos and laughter. Farage announced that those working in Britain's armed services would pay no tax if his party formed a government. Groups of pro-refugee protesters gathered outside the Plymouth Arena while the rally went on.
