REFORM was plunged into chaos tonight after its chairman Zia Yusuf dramatically quit the party.
Mr Yusuf announced on social media that after 11 months in the job “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time”.
PAReform chairman Zia Yusuf announced he’s quitting the party[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialMr Yusuf was seen as a rising star in the party and close ally of Nigel Farage[/caption]
Responding to the shock resignation, Nigel Farage said he is “genuinely sorry”
The Reform Leader added: “He was a huge factor in our elections success on May 1st and is an enormously talented person.
“Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has clearly had enough.
“He is a loss to us and public life.”
Insiders said that the chairman had felt “shafted” into running the party’s DOGE efficiency unit, aimed at slashing waste in local authorities.
He also earlier on Thursday clashed with Reform’s newest MP, Sarah Pochin, over the idea of a burqa ban.
Mr Yusuf said: “Eleven months ago I became Chairman of Reform.
“I’ve worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30 per cent, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results.
“I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.”
Mr Yusuf was seen as a rising star in the party and close ally of Mr Farage.
While not an MP, the entrepreneur fronted several of the parties press conferences.
He worked as chairman in a voluntary capacity.
Cracks in Mr Yusuf’s relationship with the wider Reform party started show months ago – but a major row over banning face coverings brought simmering tensions to boiling point.
Responding to Ms Pochin’s demand for a burqa ban, Mr Yusuf blasted: “Nothing to do with me.
“I do think it’s dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something party itself wouldn’t do.”
The comment contradicted strong statements in favour of a ban from Deputy Leader Richard Tice and whip Lee Anderson.
Following the resignation Mr Tice said: “I wish to add my huge thanks to Zia for all his hard work and major help in securing such progress and success over the last 11 months.
“We would not be where we are today without him.”
Reform is riding high in the polls but behind the scenes, it’s been no stranger to bloodletting.
Earlier this year, a brutal row saw MP Rupert Lowe suspended after Mr Yusuf reported him to police for alleged threats and bullying – claims later dropped by prosecutors.
Mr Lowe denied everything, accused party bosses of smearing him with “vexatious” claims, and said Mr Farage had stabbed him in the back for daring to push internal reforms.
Ben Habib, former deputy leader, backed him and blasted Mr Yusuf’s handling of the row, accusing Mr Farage of running Reform like a dictatorship.
A Tory source said: “Nigel Farage tells us he wants to run the country, he can’t even run a party small enough to fit in a Nissan Micra.
“Will the last person in Reform UK who isn’t Farage please turn out the lights?”
AFPHe said: “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time”[/caption]
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