Reform UK spokesperson Robert Jenrick suggested the party could implement fiscal policies immediately upon taking office, potentially bypassing the standard 70-day budget notice period.

Reform UK could begin implementing financial policies within days of a general election victory rather than waiting for a formal budget, according to party Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick. Speaking at the party’s conference, Jenrick suggested that a Reform government might use statutory instruments to enact major fiscal changes immediately upon entering office.

Proposed Legislative Strategy

Jenrick stated that the party could begin legislating within a week of a general election. By utilizing statutory instruments, the party aims to bypass the standard requirement that the Treasury provide at least 70 days' notice to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) for fiscal forecasts. This approach would allow for rapid implementation of policies, such as reducing the civil service workforce by more than 100,000 to pre-Brexit levels.

Stance on the OBR

While Reform UK previously planned to abolish the OBR, the party has shifted its position under Jenrick to keeping and reforming the institution. Jenrick noted that the party intends to review how the budget process functions. He emphasized that the party aims to avoid the mistakes of Chancellor Rachel Reeves by preparing economic policies well in advance of taking government.