Zia Yusuf Reform UK: The Latest Twist in Party Leadership
The past week has seen a whirlwind of developments for Reform UK, with businessman and party chairman Zia Yusuf at the center of the storm. In a dramatic turn of events, Yusuf resigned as chairman on Thursday, only to announce his return to the party in a new role less than 48 hours later.
A Sudden Resignation and Swift U-Turn
Zia Yusuf, who had served as Reform UK’s chairman for nearly a year, stepped down abruptly, stating that working to get a Reform government elected was “no longer a good use of my time”.
His resignation came amid internal tensions, notably after he described a fellow party member’s comments on banning the burqa as “dumb” following a heated exchange during Prime Minister’s Questions. Yusuf later cited exhaustion and the toll of leading the party as a volunteer for 11 months without a day off as the primary reasons for his decision.
However, after receiving an outpouring of support from colleagues and supporters urging him to reconsider, Yusuf reversed his decision and announced his return to Reform UK in a new capacity. He emphasized that “the mission is too important” and that he “cannot let people down”.
New Role and Party Strategy
Upon his return, Zia Yusuf will not resume his position as chairman. Instead, he will lead a new initiative called the “UK DOGE team,” inspired by Elon Musk and modeled after the Department of Government Efficiency established by former US President Donald Trump. This team is expected to focus on cutting unnecessary government spending, improving efficiency in local councils, and driving policy innovation within the party.
Yusuf will also take on a more visible role in the media, representing the party and helping to shape its public image and policy direction. He stated his commitment to “fight for taxpayers, as well as working on party policy and representing it in the media,” and reaffirmed his belief in Nigel Farage’s leadership as essential to the party’s mission.
Reactions and Implications
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, expressed his delight at Yusuf’s return, describing him as “an important part of the team” and noting that Yusuf regretted his previous comments and actions, which he attributed to fatigue. Farage also indicated that a new party chair will be appointed in the coming week, with a deputy chair to follow.
The episode has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see Yusuf’s return as a sign of the party’s resilience and commitment to its principles, while critics argue that the rapid succession of resignations and reappointments reflects ongoing instability within Reform UK. Some political opponents have seized on the situation to criticize the party’s internal cohesion and leadership style.
Looking Ahead
With Zia Yusuf Reform UK now back in a prominent role, the party is poised to continue its push for greater efficiency and policy innovation. Yusuf’s renewed commitment and the launch of the UK DOGE team signal a strategic shift as Reform UK seeks to capitalize on recent local election successes and build momentum toward the next general election.
In his own words, Yusuf stated:
“I will continue to give all my time to the most important project of my life, getting a Reform government elected with Nigel as Prime Minister.”
As Reform UK navigates these changes, all eyes will be on how Zia Yusuf and Nigel Farage work together to shape the party’s future and its appeal to voters across the UK.