Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Britain’s right-wing populist party, Reform UK, resigned abruptly on Thursday, marking another high-profile exit from the party. Yusuf’s departure follows an internal conflict with Reform’s newest lawmaker, Sarah Pochin, over a controversial question she raised in Parliament. This resignation adds to the growing list of senior figures leaving the party, which has recently gained significant attention and support.
Tensions Within Reform UK
Reform UK, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, has emerged as one of the most popular political parties in Britain, surpassing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in opinion polls. Just under a year after securing five parliamentary seats in the national election, the party has seen a rapid rise in influence. However, internal divisions continue to trouble the party.
Yusuf, a businessman who does not hold a parliamentary seat himself, had been appointed Reform’s chairman in 2023. Despite the party’s recent success, Yusuf’s resignation highlights the growing tensions within its leadership ranks. He stated, “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time,” but did not elaborate on the specific reasons for his departure.
Disagreement Over Burqa Ban Question
Yusuf’s resignation came shortly after a public dispute with Reform lawmaker Sarah Pochin, who asked Labour leader Keir Starmer in Parliament if he would ban the burqa, a garment worn by some Muslim women. Starmer quickly rejected the idea, and Reform UK clarified that a burqa ban was not part of the party’s official policy. Yusuf, who describes himself as a “British Muslim patriot,” expressed his disagreement with the question on social media, calling it “dumb” for the party to ask a question that it did not support.
His criticism of Pochin marked a turning point, contributing to his decision to step down. Yusuf had shared the stage with Pochin and Farage at a Reform press conference in London just days before his resignation. Despite his exit, Yusuf had recently played a significant role in the party’s performance in local elections and a parliamentary by-election, where Pochin was elected as a lawmaker.
Previous Tensions and Departures
Yusuf’s resignation is not the first sign of internal strife within Reform UK. Earlier this year, the party referred one of its lawmakers, Rupert Lowe, to the police over accusations of threats of physical violence against Yusuf. Although the prosecutors decided not to pursue charges, Lowe was suspended by the party. In addition, the party’s deputy leader, Ben Habib, quit last November, citing “fundamental differences” with Farage.
Despite these internal struggles, Farage expressed regret over Yusuf’s decision to resign, acknowledging the pressure involved in politics. Farage stated, “Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game, and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life.”
Zia Yusuf’s resignation underscores the ongoing challenges facing Reform UK as it navigates internal divisions and public scrutiny. As the party continues to grow in popularity, the ability to unite its leadership team will be crucial for maintaining its momentum in the coming political season.
