Reform names Robert Jenrick as pick for chancellor

Reform UK has announced Robert Jenrick as the party's pick to become chancellor if it wins power at the next general election.

The former Conservative minister - who defected to Reform last month - said his party's plans would restore stability to the economy, cut waste, bring down the benefits bill and reduce taxes.

Meanwhile, another recent Tory defector, Suella Braverman, has been handed the education and skills brief, with deputy leader Richard Tice given a new role combining business, trade and energy policy.

Announcing his new top team, which he branded a "shadow cabinet", leader Nigel Farage said Reform was "the voice of opposition" to the Labour government.

As the party with the largest number of MPs behind Labour, the Conservatives are the official opposition with a shadow cabinet mirroring government ministers.

However, with Reform consistently leading in national opinion polls since last spring, Farage said it was time to "broaden the party" and put people in "shadow positions".

Jenrick is a former housing secretary, and has held ministerial roles at the Home Office and health department when the Conservatives were in government. He also held a junior Treasury role as exchequer secretary, under Theresa May.

Zia Yusuf, currently Reform's head of policy, was announced as the party's lead on home affairs, with a focus on legal and illegal immigration.

Before Jenrick's defection, both Tice and Yusuf had been considered potential chancellors in a future Reform government.

However, Tice, whom Farage said would also become deputy prime minister if Reform won power, insisted "we're all delighted" with the jobs given.

Tice said he would focus on using oil and gas to help boost economic growth, while abandoning net zero targets.