Robert Jenrick has hinted that Reform UK could keep the triple lock if it wins the next general election. The insurgent party's new Treasury spokesman was asked during his first outing in the role whether the party would commit to the policy, under which the state pension rises each year by average earnings growth, inflation, or 2.5% – whichever is higher.

Mr Jenrick promised that Reform would set out more on its plans for the triple lock in the coming weeks. But he highlighted his backing for the policy and suggested Express readers would not be "disappointed". Mr Jenrick told the press conference: "We're going to be saying more about this in the coming days, but I've always been a supporter of the triple lock.

"It's incredibly important that we provide dignity and security to older people on fixed incomes in the last decades of their life – particularly at a time like this, where there are such challenging circumstances with the cost of living.

"So I don't think your readers will be disappointed, but we'll say more in the coming weeks."

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Reform has so far refused to commit to the triple lock if it wins power, with leader Nigel Farage previously suggesting the economy may be in too dire a state.

Labour has said it would keep the policy in place until the end of the current parliament, but has not set out a position beyond that.

The Tories have also not set out whether they would maintain the policy.