Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf resigns as civil war in party deepens
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
Zia Yusuf quits Reform UK role following row with MP
- Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf resigned after calling new MP Sarah Pochin "dumb" for questioning Keir Starmer about banning burqas during PMQs.
- Yusuf stated he no longer believes working to elect a Reform government is a good use of his time, despite claiming to have significantly improved the party's performance.
- Nigel Farage expressed regret over Yusuf's departure, acknowledging his crucial role in the party's success in the May local elections.
- The controversy arose after Pochin's question about banning burqas, which is not Reform policy, sparked internal conflict and external calls for the party to adopt the proposal.
- Yusuf's resignation follows previous internal disputes, including the ousting of MP Rupert Lowe, and highlights ongoing tensions within Reform UK.