Robert Jenrick is set to be unveiled as Reform’s shadow chancellor as Nigel Farage prepares to name his top team.
The former Conservative minister, who recently defected to Reform, is expected to receive the appointment in the coming weeks.
Both Zia Yusuf, the party’s policy chief, and deputy leader Richard Tice had publicly signalled interest in the economics spokesman role, but sources have told The Telegraph that neither will be given the title.
Mr Farage is expected to unveil his picks for the “great offices of state” ahead of May’s local elections, a move designed to bolster Reform’s claim to be ready for government.
Mr Yusuf is widely tipped to become the party’s home affairs spokesman.
The businessman played a key role in shaping Reform’s asylum policy, launched with Mr Farage last August under the banner “Operation Restoring Justice”.
Meanwhile, Mr Tice, who led the party until Mr Farage’s return during the 2024 general election, is expected to take on a new role combining energy and business.
The property developer has spent recent months holding talks with business leaders and has repeatedly criticised net zero policies, including Labour’s wind farm contracts.
The former Conservative minister is expected to receive the appointment in the coming weeks
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Former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who defected to Reform earlier this month, is considered the frontrunner for the foreign affairs role.
Despite the expected appointments, Mr Farage has insisted nothing has been finalised.
“I haven’t decided. It is up to me. I’ll make my mind up in good time. I’m shaping the party up – I can’t do it all by myself,” he told The Telegraph.
“The time has passed that I should be spokesman for every policy area,” he added.
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Nadhim Zahawi, who defected to Reform earlier this month, is considered the frontrunner for the foreign affairs role
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GETTYSources suggest between three and six shadow roles could be announced, covering the traditional great offices of state.
The quick promotion of former Conservative figures has raised questions within Reform about the party’s internal balance.
Some party insiders have privately voiced concerns about an influx of ex-Tories and whether Reform can maintain a clear break from the Conservatives.
Mr Jenrick brings significant Treasury experience, having served as Exchequer Secretary for 18 months under Theresa May, alongside holding Cabinet roles as Communities Secretary and Minister of State for Immigration.
Zia Yusuf played a key role in shaping Reform’s asylum policy
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Labour and Conservative strategists are said to privately view Reform’s economic credibility as a key weakness – one Mr Jenrick is set to be tasked with shoring up.
Despite reports of internal tensions over former Tory defections, party relations appear to be improving.
Mr Jenrick was spotted dining with Mr Yusuf on Wednesday in what allies described as a bid to draw a line under recent public disagreements.
In a message to Reform members last month, Mr Yusuf wrote on social media: “You will be prioritised in candidate for our next class of MPs, not failed former Tory MPs.”
