Farage Expected to Appoint Jenrick as Potential Future Chancellor
Nigel Farage is poised to name Robert Jenrick as his potential future chancellor, as part of a significant reshuffle of key Reform UK politicians announced on Tuesday. This move comes as the party seeks to bolster its leadership team and address criticisms that it operates as a 'one-man band'.
Key Appointments to Strengthen Reform's Front Bench
The appointment of Jenrick, a former Conservative cabinet minister who defected to Reform last month, is likely to surprise many within the party. Previously, the chancellor role was widely anticipated to go to former leader Richard Tice. Instead, Tice will take on the combined brief of business, energy, and industry, where he is expected to oversee climate policy he has controversially labelled 'net stupid zero'.
In addition, reports indicate that Zia Yusuf, the party's former chair, will become the home affairs spokesperson, with responsibility for immigration policy. Yusuf gained attention last year for unveiling Reform's mass deportation plan, which aims to remove up to 650,000 people over a five-year period.
Countering the 'One-Man Band' Criticism
Although Reform UK currently has only eight MPs and these roles do not constitute a formal shadow cabinet, Farage emphasised that the appointments are designed to counter accusations of the party being overly reliant on his leadership. Speaking at a rally in Romford on Monday, Farage stated, 'I think the moment to properly move away from the potential criticism that we're a one-man band has been there now for a few weeks, and that's why I'm doing this.'
He added, 'Am I concerned? No, I'm relieved actually. I'm relieved that other people are taking up these big areas, and from a reporter's perspective, on a given issue, you will know who to call.'
Background on the Key Figures
Robert Jenrick, who served as housing secretary and immigration minister under the Conservatives, defected to Reform after being sacked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Prior to his defection, Jenrick had denied being offered a role with Farage's party. On Monday night, he refused to confirm his appointment as Reform's Treasury spokesperson but told GB News he was 'very happy' with the role he was receiving.
Richard Tice, a net-zero sceptic and former businessman, led Reform for several years before Farage returned to stand in the general election. Tice had previously hinted that he expected to secure the second most senior role in government due to his business experience, telling the BBC last year, 'I'm not going to assume anything, but ...'
Political Context and Polling Trends
This reshuffle occurs as Reform UK's lead in some polls has begun to narrow in recent weeks. On Tuesday, the latest YouGov poll showed Reform leading Labour by just five points, despite ongoing turmoil within the government and the departure of several senior figures from Number 10. Additionally, Politico reported on Tuesday that a fifth, newly created great office of state is being considered, alongside the Foreign Office, Home Office, Treasury, and Number 10.
These strategic appointments reflect Reform's efforts to present a more robust and diversified leadership structure as it navigates the evolving political landscape and seeks to maintain its momentum ahead of future electoral challenges.
