Nigel Farage names Robert Jenrick shadow chancellor and Richard Tice deputy prime minister in Reform Party’s Westminster frontbench announcement

Nigel Farage has stepped into new territory this week, unveiling the first-ever “shadow cabinet” for his Reform Party.

The announcement comes as Farage works to show that his party is more than a one-man operation and is ready to challenge both Labour and the Conservatives on the national stage.

At the heart of the new team is Robert Jenrick, the former Conservative minister, who has been appointed as Reform’s “shadow chancellor.”

Jenrick, who left the Tory Party just last month, will now be positioned as the party’s economic lead, taking aim at Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Robert Jenrick Takes Centre Stage

Jenrick’s move to Reform has already made headlines.

As Housing Secretary under Boris Johnson and Conservative shadow justice secretary, his ministerial experience is well-documented—but his Treasury experience is limited to an 18-month role as Exchequer Secretary under Theresa May, a junior position in the department.

Despite this, Jenrick did not hold back in his first comments, calling Rachel Reeves an economic “wrecking ball” and thanking Farage for the opportunity to directly challenge her policies.

While the title of “shadow chancellor” is traditionally held by a Conservative figure, smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and SNP have also adopted similar terminology for their frontbench teams.

Other Key Figures in the Reform Frontbench

Alongside Jenrick, Farage announced several other roles that signal the party’s priorities.

Richard Tice, Reform’s former leader and current MP for Skegness, has been named deputy prime minister in this shadow cabinet lineup.

He is set to oversee a “super department” combining business, trade, and energy—a bold move intended to push the party’s economic agenda.

Zia Yusuf, the party chairman and son of immigrants, has been appointed “shadow home secretary.”

Yusuf’s brief focuses on tackling both legal and illegal migration, despite the fact he is not currently an MP or a member of the House of Lords.

Farage’s strategy seems to be showcasing diversity and signaling serious governance intentions, even with a small parliamentary team of just eight MPs.

Policy Goals: Growth, Energy, and Wealth

Tice outlined some ambitious plans for the party if it were to win power.

The proposed “super department” would focus on reindustrialising Britain, boosting growth to as much as 4%, and leveraging oil and gas production to energise the economy.

The party also plans to abandon net-zero targets, signalling a break from mainstream environmental commitments, and to establish a British wealth fund aimed at long-term economic stability.

Tice framed these goals as essential for “rebuilding Britain” and restoring economic strength after years of stagnation.

Polls Show Reform Losing Some Momentum

Farage’s announcement comes amid mixed polling news.

A new YouGov survey shows Reform’s lead has narrowed to just 24%, down three points in a week.

Labour and the Conservatives remain steady at 19% and 18% respectively, while the Greens have gained a point to 17%.

Analysts suggest that while the shadow cabinet gives the party a stronger image, translating that into sustained voter support remains an uphill battle.

What’s Next?

Farage now has a formal frontbench team to present policy and challenge the major parties, but the true test will come in the run-up to the next election.

The effectiveness of this “shadow cabinet” will be measured not just by media attention, but by how voters perceive the party’s ability to govern.

Whether Jenrick’s Treasury experience—or lack thereof—becomes a major talking point remains to be seen, as does the public reception to Tice’s energy and growth plans.

Summary

Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform’s first shadow cabinet, appointing Robert Jenrick as shadow chancellor, Richard Tice as deputy prime minister with a super department, and Zia Yusuf as shadow home secretary.

The move aims to give the party credibility and a clear policy platform focused on growth, energy, and migration.

Polls suggest Reform’s lead has narrowed, highlighting the challenges ahead in converting media attention into voter support.