Nigel Farage is expected to name Robert Jenrick as his potential future chancellor, as part of a series of appointments of key Reform UK politicians. The move comes as the party seeks to counter accusations that it is a 'one-man band'.
The appointment of Jenrick, a former Conservative cabinet minister who defected to Reform after being sacked by party leader Kemi Badenoch, is likely to raise eyebrows. The role had previously been widely expected to be handed to former leader Richard Tice.
Instead, Tice, a net-zero sceptic, will take on the brief of business, energy and industry. Reports also suggest that former party chair Zia Yusuf will become home affairs spokesperson, responsible for immigration policy. Last year, Yusuf unveiled a mass deportation policy aiming to deport up to 650,000 people over five years.
While the roles do not constitute a formal shadow cabinet, as Reform UK has only eight MPs, Farage is expected to argue that they demonstrate a broadening of the party's leadership. Speaking at a rally in Romford, Farage said he was 'relieved' to see others taking on key areas.
Jenrick, the former housing secretary and immigration minister, had previously denied being offered a role before defecting. On Monday night, he refused to confirm his appointment as Treasury spokesperson but told GB News he was 'very happy' with the role he was getting.
The reshuffle comes as Reform's lead in some polls has begun to narrow. A YouGov poll on Tuesday showed Reform leading Labour by just five points, despite weeks of turmoil for the government.
