Robert Jenrick to be unveiled as Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, reports say
Nigel Farage will reportedly choose Robert Jenrick as Reform UK’s choice for chancellor, despite opposition from senior figures within the party.
The former Tory, who defected in January, will be announced as Treasury spokesman at a press conference on Tuesday, along with several other senior appointments.
Mr Farage’s election is said to be an attempt by Reform to show they are preparing to come to power.The Times.
During the party’s rally in Romford on Monday, Mr Farage said: “I think it’s time to properly distance ourselves from potential criticism that we’re a one-man band, I’ve been there for a few weeks and that’s why I’m doing this.” [these appointments].
“Am I worried? No, actually I’m relieved. I’m relieved that other people are occupying these large spaces and [a journalist’s] you will know who to call regarding a particular problem.
Deputy chairman Richard Tice and policy chief Zia Yusuf were said to have opposed the appointment of the Conservative Party defector, the newspaper reported.
His appointment comes as Mr Farage tries to fend off criticism about the inexperience of the party’s senior leaders in government.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Farage will also appoint Mr Yusuf as home affairs spokesman, Nadhim Zahawi will be responsible for foreign policy and Mr Tice will be given a portfolio combining business and energy that will include responsibility for delivering on net zero.
The reform leader is preparing to appoint four spokesmen to “major departments of state” ahead of local council elections in May to reassure voters.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was sacked from her shadow cabinet last month after claiming she had “undeniable evidence” that Mr Jenrick was secretly planning to leave the party.
Mr Jenrick, who was shadow justice secretary at the time of his appointment, announced he was joining Reform at a press conference with Nigel Farage a few hours later.
His departure comes days after former Tory Chancellor Mr Zahawi joined the party.
Thanking Ms Badenoch for “delivering” Mr Jenrick to Reform, Mr Farage said: “You handed me on a platter the man who is the most popular figure ever, with a 60 per cent approval rating on ConHome… Perhaps today you have actually done more than anyone in history to help realign the centre-right of British politics.”
In announcing he would join Reform, Mr Jenrick said the Conservatives had “betrayed their voters and their members”.
“I cannot deceive myself any longer,” he said, adding: “I cannot in good conscience remain loyal to a party that has failed so badly, that is not sorry and that has not changed, that I know in my heart of hearts will not – cannot – deliver what is needed.”
Mr Jenrick, who was elected as a Conservative MP for Newark in 2014, served as finance minister under Theresa May in 2018-19, as well as acting as housing secretary and immigration secretary.
Reformation England has been approached for comment.
