Nigel Farage has announced the first members of Reform UK's frontbench team, aiming to dispel claims that the party is a 'one-man band'. The leader warned that he will not tolerate dissent from colleagues, stating, 'If people mess about, behave badly or are disloyal, we're not going to put up with it.'
The four appointees include two recent Conservative defectors: Robert Jenrick, who takes the Treasury brief, and Suella Braverman, responsible for education, skills and equalities. Richard Tice, deputy leader, was given business, trade and energy, while Zia Yusuf, head of policy, handles home affairs and migration.
Farage said the team shows Reform is 'creating a machine for government' and that the party now has its own identity beyond him. However, he made clear he retains final say on policy. Braverman announced plans to abolish the Equality Act on her first day in government and shift focus from university targets to trade training.
Jenrick is expected to confirm that a Reform government would keep the Bank of England's independence and the Office for Budget Responsibility, though with changes to ensure 'diversity of opinion'. Farage indicated few further Conservative defectors are expected, setting a May deadline.
Labour and Conservative chairs criticised the lineup, with Labour's Anna Turley calling it a 'top team of failed Tories' and Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake describing it as a 'tribute act to the old Conservative party'.
