Zia Yusuf Resigns: Reform in Disarray
- Reform UK is in turmoil following the resignation of its chairman, Zia Yusuf, who stated that working to elect a Reform government was "no longer a good use...
- Yusuf announced his resignation Thursday, highlighting his efforts over the past 11 months.
- The controversy stemmed from Sarah pochin, a Reform MP, asking Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions whether he would support banning the burka.
Zia Yusuf’s sudden resignation as Reform UK chairman throws the party into disarray,triggered by sharp criticism over a recently posed question regarding a burka ban.Yusuf, citing a feeling that his time could be better spent elsewhere, departs after helping the party quadruple its membership and achieve significant electoral gains in just 11 months. Leadership contender Nigel Farage expresses regret, acknowledging Yusuf’s considerable contributions. This shock departure comes at a critical juncture, as Reform UK eyes crucial gains in the upcoming Holyrood by-election. News directory 3 is monitoring the developments. What impact will this have on Reform’s future? Discover what’s next.
Reform UK Chairman resigns Amid Burka Ban Question Controversy
Reform UK is in turmoil following the resignation of its chairman, Zia Yusuf, who stated that working to elect a Reform government was “no longer a good use of my time.” The decision comes after Yusuf publicly criticized a question posed by the party’s newest Member of Parliament regarding a burka ban.
Yusuf announced his resignation Thursday, highlighting his efforts over the past 11 months. He said he helped the Reform party quadruple its membership and achieve historic electoral results.
The controversy stemmed from Sarah pochin, a Reform MP, asking Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions whether he would support banning the burka. Yusuf described the question as “dumb,” noting it was not a Reform policy.
On social media,Yusuf commented,”Nothing to do with me. Had no idea about the question nor that it wasn’t policy…I do think it’s dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn’t do.”
The resignation occurs as Reform seeks to make gains in a Holyrood by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Scotland. Scottish First Minister John Swinney has characterized the race as primarily between the SNP and Reform.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said he was “genuinely sorry” about Yusuf’s decision to step down.He lauded Yusuf as “enormously talented” and a key factor in the party’s recent successes in local elections.
Farage added, “Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough. He is a loss to us and public life.”