Zia Yusuf Resigns: Reform UK Chairman Steps Down
- Zia Yusuf has stepped down as chairman of Reform UK after 11 months in the role.
- Nigel Farage told GB News that Yusuf's departure was unexpected, admitting he only received a brief warning. he acknowledged Yusuf was "a huge factor" in the party's recent...
- yusuf's resignation follows his criticism of Sarah Pochin, Reform UK's MP for Runcorn and Helsby, who urged Prime Minister
Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Reform UK, has resigned after just 11 months, a move that has sent shockwaves through the party. Yusuf cited his belief that working towards a Reform government was no longer a good use of his time,signaling a notable shift within the party. His departure follows criticism of a fellow MP’s stance. Nigel Farage acknowledged Yusuf’s impact on Reform UK’s recent successes. News Directory 3 provides you with the latest on this developing story. What dose this mean for the future of Reform UK? Discover what’s next.
Zia Yusuf Resigns as Reform UK Chairman After 11 Months
Updated June 05, 2025
Zia Yusuf has stepped down as chairman of Reform UK after 11 months in the role. He announced his resignation on X, stating he no longer believes working to elect a Reform government is a worthwhile use of his time.
Nigel Farage told GB News that Yusuf’s departure was unexpected, admitting he only received a brief warning. he acknowledged Yusuf was “a huge factor” in the party’s recent electoral successes, including a by-election win, two mayoral victories, and the gain of 677 council seats. Farage conceded that “not everyone got on with him,” but added that he always found Yusuf to be polite.
yusuf’s resignation follows his criticism of Sarah Pochin, Reform UK’s MP for Runcorn and Helsby, who urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ban the burka during Prime Minister’s Questions. Yusuf called Pochin’s action “dumb,” arguing it was inconsistent with the party’s own policies. While Pochin’s call was seemingly well-received by other Reform MPs, a party spokesman clarified that it was not official party policy.
Pochin responded to Yusuf’s resignation by calling him “a great friend and colleague,” and praised his contributions to the professionalization of Reform UK.
Yusuf, a former Conservative Party member and tech entrepreneur, became Reform UK’s chairman shortly after the last general election. He donated £200,000 to the party during the campaign and was tasked with professionalizing the party, attracting donors, and expanding it’s activist base.
He spearheaded the party’s “Doge teams,” an initiative inspired by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at cutting wasteful spending in reform-controlled councils. Nathaniel Fried, the tech entrepreneur leading the Doge unit, also announced his resignation, stating he felt it appropriate to leave with Yusuf.
Tim Montgomerie, a prominent Reform supporter, described Yusuf as ”a young man in a hurry” who upset some within the party who resisted modernization. He also suggested that Yusuf faced prejudice on social media and that the burka controversy may have been the final straw.
Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, quipped that Yusuf was leading the “UK Doge” by example. A Labor Party spokesperson questioned Nigel Farage’s ability to lead a country, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Reform as a “fan club.”
Reform has experienced growth in national polls since the last general election, but has also faced internal conflicts, including the expulsion of MP Rupert Lowe following harassment allegations.
Lowe, responding to Yusuf’s resignation, questioned how someone with no political experience was given so much power within Reform.
What’s next
Reform UK faces a period of uncertainty following yusuf’s departure.The party will need to address internal tensions and find a new chairman to maintain its momentum and capitalize on recent electoral gains.