Politics can be a rollercoaster, and Reform UK’s latest drama is no exception.
Just two days after resigning from his chairman role, Zia Yusuf has made a sharp U-turn and is back in the fold.
His return has sparked plenty of chatter, especially since it comes amid ongoing debates about the party’s direction and internal tensions.
Zia Yusuf’s Resignation and Quick Comeback
Zia Yusuf initially shocked many when he abruptly quit his post as chairman, citing exhaustion after working 11 months straight without a break.
He also mentioned feeling undervalued and worn down by relentless racist abuse on social media.
But despite the rocky exit, Yusuf has returned with a renewed focus to lead Reform UK’s efforts in cutting public spending and streamlining government waste.
Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, welcomed Yusuf back warmly.
He praised Yusuf’s achievements in expanding the party infrastructure, including building over 400 branches.
Tice suggested that the demanding nature of the job was a big factor in Yusuf’s initial decision to step down, but now, with a reorganized approach, Yusuf will concentrate on heading the party’s new “UK Doge” unit — a government efficiency initiative inspired by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency that was once led by Elon Musk.
Working Alongside Millionaire Donors and Party Figures
Yusuf’s return also means he’ll be collaborating closely with millionaire Brexiteer Arron Banks, who ran as a Reform candidate in recent local elections.
Banks described Yusuf’s comeback as “inspirational,” highlighting his communication skills and tech savvy as valuable assets for the party’s mission to root out waste in councils they now control.
Interestingly, Banks had been less kind right after Yusuf resigned, tweeting that Yusuf “struggled with relationships and people” despite his hard work.
Clearly, opinions within the party are mixed, but Yusuf’s comeback signals a willingness to put past differences aside for Reform UK’s future.
The Controversy Over the Burka and Internal Disputes
One of the sparks behind Yusuf’s resignation was a recent internal row involving a question from Reform’s newest MP about banning burkas.
Yusuf described the question as “dumb” and later clarified he did not resign because of strong views on the burka itself.
In fact, he said that if he were in Parliament, he might vote to ban it but feels uneasy about imposing bans that could be unconstitutional — like in the U.S.
Party leader Nigel Farage confirmed that Yusuf would be taking on multiple roles in the party, though his exact title remains undecided.
Farage also described Yusuf as essentially doing “four jobs,” showing how important Yusuf’s skills are to the party’s strategy.
Critics Weigh In on Reform UK’s Direction
Not everyone is convinced by Reform UK’s approach.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the party a “protest party” pushing populist policies akin to “Liz Truss on steroids.”
Philp also pointed out the challenge for the Conservative Party in working with Reform given Nigel Farage’s stated goal to “destroy the Conservative Party.”
What’s Next for Zia Yusuf and Reform UK?
Despite the drama, Yusuf says he’s looking forward to a summer break before throwing himself back into the party’s work.
With a reorganized role focused on tackling government waste and fundraising, he hopes to help Reform UK continue growing and making an impact.
While his resignation and return may raise eyebrows, Yusuf’s commitment shows just how much this political journey means to him — and how complex and intense the world of politics can be behind the scenes.