Nigel Farage announces Reform UK’s first front bench appointments, emphasizing the party’s growth beyond a one-man operation. He states that Reform UK possesses its own brand, identity, and senior leaders to head key departments.
Key Appointments
Four prominent spokespeople receive roles. Robert Jenrick serves as shadow chancellor and economics spokesperson. Suella Braverman takes charge of education, skills, and equalities. Deputy leader Richard Tice handles business, trade, and energy. Zia Yusuf leads on home affairs, focusing on sharp reductions in legal and illegal migration.
Robert Jenrick’s Economics Role
Jenrick’s appointment as economics spokesperson follows internal competition from Zia Yusuf and Richard Tice. Sources indicate Farage promised him the position during defection talks earlier this year.
At a London event, Jenrick vows to challenge Chancellor Rachel Reeves, whom he calls a “wrecking ball,” and criticizes decades of economic mismanagement. This comes despite his prior ministerial roles, including at the Treasury, under the previous Conservative government.
In 2020, as housing secretary, Jenrick drew criticism for approving a Tory donor’s luxury housing project a day before a new community infrastructure levy, potentially saving billionaire Richard Desmond £45 million.
Suella Braverman on Education and Equalities
Braverman, who recently joined after resigning and being sacked from Conservative home secretary positions, pledges to eliminate the minister for women and equalities role and repeal the Equalities Act if Reform UK gains power. She argues that diversity and equality policies “are ripping Britain apart.”
Braverman also commits to banning social and gender transitioning in all schools, calling it an end to “transgender chaos.” She claims children learn more about gender ideology than biological facts.
Critics respond sharply. Jo Maugham KC of the Good Law Project accuses her of appealing to extremists by targeting discrimination protections. He warns that banning social transition means policing children’s appearances, likening it to a “North Korean flavour.”
Dr. Paul Martin OBE of the LGBT Foundation defends the Equality Act as part of the solution, providing protections in work, healthcare, education, and services. A Stonewall spokesperson stresses that equality roles require commitment to marginalised groups’ rights.
Zia Yusuf Tackles Home Affairs
Yusuf, who briefly quit as party chair last year before returning, promises mass deportations by withdrawing obstructive international treaties. He suggests paying the Taliban to accept returned illegal migrants, deeming it reasonable.
Past statements compare illegal migration to an invasion, noting more arrivals in eight years than D-Day troops.
Richard Tice’s Business Focus
Tice proposes a “super department” to boost GDP growth to 4 percent. He faces scrutiny over tax arrangements, as partner Isabel Oakeshott resides in Dubai for lower taxes. Tice visits the UAE every six to eight weeks.
Farage notes Tice will travel extensively, including to Aberdeen’s refineries and manufacturing sites, making his role vital. Tice has praised Dubai’s safety, despite its human rights criticisms on free speech and discrimination.
