Reform UK's new economic adviser, Mitchell Palmer, has previously called for the abolition of the state pension's triple lock, advocated for the privatization of the NHS, and supported economic migration as a poverty alleviation tool, according to The Guardian.
The appointment of Mitchell Palmer, an economist with views on privatizing the NHS and ending the triple lock, to a key advisory role within Reform UK highlights potential shifts in the party's economic platform and could influence future policy debates, particularly concerning social welfare and public services.
Mitchell Palmer, the new economic adviser to Reform UK's economic spokesperson Robert Jenrick, has a history of advocating for policies that diverge from the party's current platform, including the abolition of the state pension's triple lock and the privatization of the NHS. The Guardian revealed Palmer's past statements, which also include support for economic migration as a poverty alleviation tool and calls for ending VAT exemptions and imposing a land tax.
Palmer has argued that the triple lock is an unsustainable and expensive way to protect pensioners, suggesting it is unfair to younger generations who bear the cost. He also stated that it is "long past time" to privatize the NHS, citing issues with performance, rationing, and safety despite high spending.
His appointment comes amid internal party tensions regarding its economic agenda, with some factions favoring aggressive tax cuts and others concerned about alienating voters with significant welfare spending reductions. Reform UK stated that Jenrick believes in hiring individuals with whom he disagrees. A Labour source criticized Reform's hiring choices, linking them to policies that would harm ordinary people and sell off the NHS.
Earlier this week, Jenrick announced Reform's plan for steep welfare cuts totaling £50 billion annually by 2030, which could significantly reduce incomes for individuals with terminal illnesses and permanent disabilities. There are signs of internal dissent within Reform, with spokesperson Zia Yusuf posting critically about individuals with 'Right Honourable' titles.