Nigel Farage is expected to appoint Robert Jenrick as Reform UK's potential future chancellor on Tuesday, a move that has sparked scrutiny over the former Tory minister's qualifications for the role. The position had widely been anticipated for Richard Tice, the party's former leader, who will instead take on the business, energy and industry brief.
The appointments are part of a broader effort by Farage to counter accusations that Reform UK is a 'one-man band', as the party currently has only eight MPs. Zia Yusuf, the party's former chair, is reportedly set to become home affairs spokesperson, responsible for immigration policy. Last year, Yusuf unveiled a mass deportation plan targeting up to 650,000 people over five years.
Richard Tice, a net-zero sceptic who has dubbed climate policy 'net stupid zero', will oversee energy and climate issues. He had previously hinted at expecting the second most senior role in government due to his business experience. Speaking at a rally in Romford on Monday, Farage expressed relief at delegating responsibilities, stating, '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.'
Robert Jenrick, who defected from the Conservatives after being sacked by leader Kemi Badenoch, had previously denied being offered a role with Reform before his defection. On Monday, he declined to confirm his appointment as Treasury spokesperson but told GB News he was 'very happy' with the role he was receiving. The latest YouGov poll shows Reform leading Labour by five points, a narrowing margin despite recent government turmoil.
