Robert Jenrick clashes with ITV journalist over ‘always asking negative questions about Reform’
Robert Jenrick clashed with ITV journalist Paul Brand on Good Morning Britain after Brand questioned whether Jenrick regretted joining Reform UK. Jenrick accused him of being a left-wing commentator who wanted Reform to fail and of consistently asking negative questions about the party.
Brand cited polling showing Reform’s support had fallen and asked about empty seats at recent pre-Budget speeches by Nigel Farage and the party’s treasury spokesperson. Ipsos polling from 25 October put Reform down three points; 19 per cent of British adults said the party was ready to form the next government, down from 22 per cent in September and 29 per cent in September 2025.
In short
- Jenrick accused ITV’s Paul Brand of asking negative questions about Reform.
- Brand raised falling polling figures and empty seats at party speeches.
- Ipsos found 19 per cent thought Reform was ready to govern.
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The case for
A journalist interviewing a politician has a duty to scrutinise claims of growing support and readiness to govern, including by asking about polling and attendance at public events. Questions about whether Jenrick regrets joining Reform are also relevant to his political judgement, and robust questioning can help viewers assess the party’s prospects.
The case against
Jenrick can reasonably argue that repeated emphasis on falling poll figures and empty seats risks presenting a selective, predominantly negative picture of Reform. He may also question whether an interviewer’s framing is even-handed; journalists should be open to such criticism while explaining how their questions serve the public interest.
Explained simply
Robert Jenrick is a politician who left the Conservative Party and joined Reform UK, a party led by Nigel Farage. Reform is seeking support from voters who want a change in government and has been gaining attention in national politics.
Paul Brand is an ITV journalist who interviews politicians on Good Morning Britain. Questions about polling and attendance at party events are ways journalists examine a party’s public support and how it presents itself; politicians may challenge the questions or the interviewer’s approach.
Polling measures people’s stated views at a particular time, rather than predicting an election result. Reform’s support matters because its prospects could affect the balance between the parties and debate over who might form the next government.