Reform UK Appoints Robert Jenrick as Shadow Chancellor in Push to Broaden Leadership Team

Reform UK has appointed former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick as its new shadow chancellor, a move party leader Nigel Farage described as part of a broader effort to prepare the government party ahead of the next general election.

Jenrick was formally introduced at a London event on Tuesday, where Farage outlined plans to expand Reform’s senior leadership structure. The appointment signals a strategic shift for the right wing party, which has gained ground in national opinion polls and secured its first parliamentary seats in 2024.

Farage acknowledged that Reform had often been perceived as centred heavily around his leadership and said the time had come to widen its frontbench team. He unveiled a group of senior figures who will take responsibility for key policy areas, including immigration and equality law, as the party seeks to present itself as a credible alternative to the governing Labour Party.

Jenrick, who previously stood as a candidate in the Conservative leadership contest, defected to Reform last month. He has since criticised both the current Labour administration and the previous Conservative government in which he served, arguing that Britain needs a new economic direction.

As shadow chancellor, Jenrick will lead the party’s economic policy development and would be in line to become finance minister if Reform were to win power. He said detailed proposals would be presented in the coming days, focusing on restoring economic stability, reducing public spending waste and lowering taxes.

Speaking at the event, Jenrick outlined priorities that include cutting what he described as excessive government expenditure, bringing down the welfare bill and creating conditions to ease the tax burden on households and businesses. He said the party’s approach would aim to strengthen growth while maintaining fiscal discipline.

Reform UK has sought to capitalise on public frustration over economic performance and immigration policy. With the next general election scheduled for 2029, Farage has indicated that building a more experienced leadership team is essential if the party is to translate polling momentum into long term political influence.

The party is also expected to target strong results in upcoming local elections in May. Success at local level would provide an opportunity to demonstrate administrative capability and expand its organisational footprint across the country.

Political analysts say Jenrick’s appointment could help Reform broaden its appeal among centre right voters who previously supported the Conservatives but are dissatisfied with recent policy direction. His background in government may also lend weight to the party’s economic messaging as it seeks to compete with established parties on fiscal credibility.

The move marks another step in Reform’s efforts to position itself as a serious contender in British politics, shifting from protest movement status towards a more structured opposition force with defined policy portfolios.