Robert Jenrick has slapped down claims of ‘infighting’ within Reform UK just days after it was revealed the ex-Tory beat Nigel Farage loyalists to snap up a top job within the party.
The Newark MP was unveiled as Nigel Farage’s economic spokesman earlier this week in a role which Reform describes as “Shadow Chancellor”.
In the same press conference, it was announced Richard Tice would look after business, trade and energy, while Zia Yusuf will oversee Home Office matters.
During the press conference, Mr Farage catapulted another former Tory into his top ranks, introducing Suella Braverman as his education spokeswoman.
However, Mr Jenrick’s appointment has fuelled claims Mr Tice and Mr Yusuf were snubbed in the process after both men voiced interest in the role.
Mr Tice, during the campaign, stood aside as leader to allow Mr Farage to head up the party.
But Mr Jenrick, who joined the party just over a month ago, appeared eager to put claims of any potential snubs to bed.
Speaking to Camilla Tominey, the Newark MP insisted: “Look, we are a strong team.
“I actually think if you look at the team that Nigel has put together and compare it to the present cabinet, people would say, well, these are people with experience of Government.
Mr Jenrick was unveiled as Reform’s economic spokesman
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“And in Richard and Zia’s cases, people who are hugely successful business men who’ve made millions of pounds. If you compare it to the Conservatives, most people couldn’t even name the people in those positions.”
Camilla suggested both were being “lined up” for such a promotion, adding:” I only ask that because they were destined for that job. And you’ve ended up with that job.
“Then it’s begged the question, did you demand that job as a price for defection?”
Appearing incredulous at the accusation, Mr Jenrick denied that he demanded the job, once again reiterating the strength of his team.
Mr Farage made the announcement on Tuesday
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He told GB News: “You’ve got in Nigel somebody who is by far the biggest figure in British politics today, a man who has been making these arguments on migration, on net zero, on deregulation, frankly, since I was a teenager.
“And now at his side, a very strong team with Zia doing the work on the Home Office, we’re going to deport every single illegal migrant in this country and make our streets safe again.
“Richard is going to ensure we have a different energy policy to the one that the Tories and now Ed Miliband have been taking forward, which is decimating industry in this country.
“And he was right on that. It was not fashionable. And I’m going to work closely with them, but we are going to ensure we’re careful with people’s money.”
Previously, Mr Tice and Mr Yusuf have attempted to shut down claims of infighting, assuring GB News the party would be united behind their party boss.
Earlier this month before the new roles were announced, during a fiery grilling on their future jobs, the Boston & Skegness MP told Camilla: “We would all be delighted to help Nigel as Prime Minister in whatever role is deemed appropriate at the time.”
As for Mr Yusuf and Mr Jenrick, the pair have previously refused to shy away from mud-slinging, launching political jibes at one another in the public eye online.
But the policy chief appeared to change his tone towards the new recruit, telling GB News a few weeks ago: “The group of us had dinner just a couple of nights ago, and as I said, we’ve got a great working relationship.”