Key facts
- Robert Jenrick presented Reform UK's latest policy proposals for small businesses.
- Proposals included relaxing data protection rules and raising the VAT threshold for businesses.
- A tax credit of £30 was proposed for customers on hold with HMRC for 30 minutes.
- Tax-free investments of £250,000 for a child's business were suggested for grandparents and parents.
- Nigel Farage has been absent from public events following a financial gift revelation.
Reform UK's 'Honest Bob,' Robert Jenrick, stepped in to unveil the party's latest policy proposals during a press conference, as leader Nigel Farage remains largely out of public view. Farage has reportedly been sulking since the revelation of a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Jenrick presented a series of unfunded promises aimed at small businesses, including relaxing data protection rules, increasing the VAT threshold to £150,000, and offering a £30 tax credit for customers on hold with HMRC for 30 minutes. He also proposed allowing grandparents and parents to invest £250,000 tax-free into a child's business.
The event was described as having a sense of futility, with Jenrick facing questions that exposed limitations in his understanding of economic issues and Reform's current standing in the polls. The party's lack of clear spokespeople on defense, foreign affairs, and health was also highlighted.