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Reform UK has been plunged into fresh chaos following the dramatic resignation of its chairman, Zia Yusuf, a key Muslim figure brought in by Nigel Farage to professionalise the burgeoning party. Mr. Yusuf's departure stems from a heated public disagreement with the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, over the legality of women wearing the burqa in the UK, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
The internal strife erupted after Ms. Pochin, recently elected as MP for Runcorn, challenged Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the burqa's legality during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions. In response, Mr. Yusuf, a prominent Muslim businessman, publicly described Ms. Pochin's comments as "dumb," triggering an immediate backlash and reigniting long-simmering tensions within Reform UK.
Mr. Yusuf, who has reportedly been a target of anger from various party activists for several months, announced his resignation amidst the growing furore. In a statement, he reflected on his tenure: "11 months ago I became Chairman of Reform. I’ve worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30%, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results."
The controversy surrounding the burqa comments prompted a swift clarification from a Reform UK spokesman, who stated that banning burqas was not official party policy. This clarification, however, only served to intensify calls from some elements on the far-right for Mr. Farage to officially adopt such proposals, highlighting the ideological fault lines within Reform UK.
Sources close to the party suggest that the immediate catalyst for Mr. Yusuf's resignation was likely a culmination of internal pressures. It has been reported that Mr. Yusuf had recently been sidelined from day-to-day party management, with his focus shifted to the party's "DOGE-style project," an initiative aimed at identifying substantial savings in councils where Reform UK holds influence. This apparent marginalisation, coupled with the public row, appears to have pushed the prominent Muslim chairman to step down.
Mr. Yusuf's resignation marks a significant blow to Reform UK, particularly given his role in the party's recent surge in polling and membership. His departure, especially over an issue that touches upon religious freedom and cultural sensitivities, underscores the deep internal divisions that continue to challenge Reform UK's efforts to present a united and professional front to the electorate. The incident raises questions about the party's future direction and its ability to manage diverse viewpoints within its ranks as it seeks to establish itself as a major political force.
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