Robert Jenrick: how Reform UK responds to Andy Burnham's government

British politics has entered turmoil following the Wakefield by-election: Andy Burnham has earned the nickname "Reform killer", while Reform UK lost its Manchester seat and finished third in Scottish by-elections. Robert Jenrick, who joined Reform UK earlier this year, is now seeking a new economic policy direction for the party.

The British political landscape has undergone significant shifts following the Wakefield by-election, in which Andy Burnham consolidated his position as prime ministerial candidate and earned himself the nickname "Reform killer".

Reform UK dealt multiple blows

Although Nigel Farage-led Reform UK continues to top national opinion polls, the party failed to win the Wakefield parliamentary seat in Greater Manchester. Additionally, Reform UK finished third in both by-elections held in Scotland, trailing behind the Conservatives, the very party that Reform UK itself seeks to replace. This raises the question of whether the party's momentum is waning just as Labour hopes to restore its popularity with a new prime ministerial candidate.

Jenrick seeks an economic niche

Robert Jenrick, a former Conservative minister and candidate in the party's internal leadership race, joined Reform UK earlier this year. He justified his decision by expressing a desire to "unite right-wing forces". He now serves as the party's chief spokesman on the Treasury.

Following a public dispute with Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf over the party's immigration policy, Jenrick is attempting to carve out a distinctive economic policy position for the party. One of his most notable proposals has been the so-called "Big Bang" idea for the City of London, aimed at revitalizing Britain's financial sector.

The weight of Burnham's victory

The Wakefield by-election has become symbolically significant for Burnham's campaign. Reform's failure to win there creates strategic breathing room for Labour and provides the new prime ministerial candidate with a narrative that populist reform has become a restraining force. In an exclusive interview with Westminster Insider, Anne McElvoy discusses with Jenrick how Reform UK plans to respond to a Burnham-led government and what role the party will play on the right side of British politics.