Two of Reform UK's leading figures engaged in a public social media dispute today over the party's migration policy. On Sunday, Robert Jenrick, the party's economics spokesman, stated that foreign nationals living in council housing would not face automatic deportations, appearing to contradict the party's official stance. The former Conservative MP clarified that individuals who fail to meet work or income criteria would be unable to renew their work visas and would be asked to leave.
Yusuf's Rebuttal
However, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, publicly rebuked Jenrick, asserting that his comments did not represent party policy. Yusuf emphasized that foreign nationals residing in social housing at taxpayer expense automatically fail the economic test and will be deported. This public disagreement occurred during a high-pressure by-election campaign.
Labour's Reaction
Labour seized on the infighting, with Immigration Minister Mike Tapp accusing Reform UK of lacking a coherent plan. A senior Labour source remarked that while Yusuf criticizes his colleague, Labour is effectively communicating its message. The source questioned Reform UK's ability to govern if it cannot manage its four spokespeople.
The dispute is the latest in a series of clashes between Jenrick and Yusuf. Prior to Jenrick's defection to Reform UK, Yusuf had called him a 'clown' and 'useless' on social media, to which Jenrick retorted by questioning Yusuf's competence.
By-Election Candidate Controversy
Additional turmoil emerged regarding Reform UK's Makerfield by-election candidate, Robert Kenyon. The Times uncovered deleted tweets suggesting Kenyon did not support Brexit in 2016. He reportedly stated that anyone believing he loves Trump or voted Brexit is wrong, and that he was frightened by the Brexit outcome. Reform UK, however, insisted Kenyon voted Leave, with a spokesman calling him a proud Brexiteer. The party also denied that Kenyon endorsed freedom of movement in its current EU form.
Further Gaffe
In another chaotic moment, Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin mistakenly described the Makerfield by-election as a 'two-horse race between Labour and Restore Britain', confusing her own party with the rival hard-right group led by Rupert Lowe. Pochin quickly corrected herself, apologizing and joking about being sacked.
