Nigel Farage has unveiled the first part of Reform UK's frontbench team, including two recent Conservative defectors, Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman. The move aims to counter criticism that the party is a 'one-man band' and to show it is 'creating a machine for government'.
Jenrick takes on the Treasury brief, while Braverman is in charge of education, skills and equalities. Richard Tice, the deputy leader, gets business, trade and energy, and Zia Yusuf, head of policy, handles home affairs and migration.
Farage warned that dissent would not be tolerated, stating: 'If people mess about, behave badly or are disloyal, we're not going to put up with it.' He dismissed questions about potential internal upset over job allocations.
Braverman announced plans to abolish the Equality Act on her first day in government and shift the university target to 50% training in trades. Jenrick is set to confirm the Bank of England's independence and retain the Office for Budget Responsibility, but with changes to ensure 'diversity of opinion'.
Labour and Conservative chairs criticised the appointments, with Labour calling them a 'top team of failed Tories' and the Conservatives labelling the lineup a 'tribute act' to the old Conservative party.
