In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Zia Yusuf has stepped down as chairman of Reform UK, marking a dramatic turn for a party that has been steadily gaining public support. His resignation, announced after a heated internal row, highlights growing fractures within the right-wing movement.
Yusuf’s departure follows public fallout over comments made by newly elected MP Sarah Pochin, who called for a national ban on the burqa. In a rare public rebuke, Yusuf blasted the proposal as “dumb,” openly criticizing it as a betrayal of the party’s values and political strategy. His outspoken stance, while earning praise from some corners, put him at odds with senior party leaders, especially Nigel Farage and deputy leader Richard Tice, who reportedly bristled at the public airing of internal disagreements.
The clash underscores a deeper identity crisis within Reform UK. Yusuf, a former Goldman Sachs executive and key donor, had invested significant time and resources in transforming the party from a populist fringe group into a serious political contender. Under his guidance, membership increased, campaign infrastructure expanded, and the party began to attract broader public interest.
But not everyone appreciated Yusuf’s corporate polish or strategic vision. Behind closed doors, sources suggest tension had been brewing for months. Some party insiders felt Yusuf’s approach was too moderate, too businesslike for a party born from Brexit-era defiance. His criticism of Pochin’s remarks may have been the last straw.
Farage acknowledged Yusuf’s contributions in a brief statement but also hinted at discord, noting that “not every leadership style suits every party culture.” With Yusuf’s exit, the party now finds itself at a crossroads, facing questions not just about leadership but about the very direction it wants to take.
Adding to the upheaval, Nathaniel Fried, the party’s technology head, also tendered his resignation, amplifying concerns that Yusuf’s departure could trigger a broader internal shake-up.
For now, Reform UK is left trying to steady the ship amid choppy political waters. Yusuf’s departure is more than just a personnel change; it’s a moment that exposes the tensions beneath the surface of a party that’s still figuring out what kind of force it wants to be.
