Reform Names Robert Jenrick as Pick for Chancellor in UK Politics

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The right‑wing Reform UK party has taken a high‑profile political step by naming Robert Jenrick as its pick for chancellor of the Exchequer — or “shadow chancellor” — in its proposed government team ahead of the next UK general election. The announcement came as leader Nigel Farage unveiled a lineup of senior figures intended to show voters that Reform is serious about governing and ready to challenge the established parties.

Jenrick, a former Conservative Party MP and cabinet minister who defected to Reform UK in January, was appointed as the party’s finance policy chief and economic spokesperson. In the Reform team, he would take charge of economic and fiscal strategy if the party were to form a government in the future — a notable elevation considering Reform UK currently holds only eight seats in the House of Commons.

Farage said the move was part of molding Reform into a credible governing force rather than “a one‑man band,” after years of the party being closely associated with his own leadership. Alongside Jenrick, other senior appointments include Richard Tice in charge of business, trade and energy, Zia Yusuf as home affairs spokesman, and former Conservative Suella Braverman taking on education and equalities responsibilities. Reform’s new team is intended to mirror a traditional government frontbench, despite the party’s relatively small size in Parliament.

Jenrick’s appointment is likely to attract both attention and scrutiny. He previously served in prominent roles under several Conservative governments, and his defection followed his dismissal from the Conservative shadow cabinet last month amid reports he was preparing to join Reform. Since then, he has criticised the Conservatives and Labour for failing the country, framing his move as part of a broader political realignment.

Reform UK leads in some recent opinion polls, outpacing both the Labour Party and the Conservatives, reflecting voter discontent with the mainstream parties. However, the party’s limited parliamentary presence and bold policy proposals — including tax cuts and stricter immigration controls — mean its leadership choices, including Jenrick’s, will play a key role in shaping public perceptions ahead of local elections this spring and a general election expected by 2029.

The announcement marks a significant moment for Reform UK as it continues to expand its political footprint and present itself as a government‑ready alternative, with Jenrick’s economic credentials central to bolstering its credibility with voters and investors alike.

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