Politics can be unpredictable, and Reform UK just saw a dramatic twist.
Zia Yusuf, the party’s former chairman, walked out on his role just two days ago — but now he’s back.
This surprise move came after a brief resignation that left many wondering what was really going on behind the scenes.
Richard Tice Praises Yusuf’s Hard Work and Returns
Richard Tice, Reform UK’s deputy leader, called Yusuf’s comeback “great news.”
He highlighted how Yusuf had done an impressive job expanding the party, building an extensive network of over 400 branches across the country.
Tice suggested Yusuf’s initial resignation was due to exhaustion after working almost nonstop for 11 months without a single day off.
Now, Yusuf is set to return, focusing on cutting public spending and leading the party’s efforts to root out waste in local councils.
Yusuf Takes on Multiple Roles as Reform UK Shifts Focus
Yusuf won’t just be chairman again; he’ll be juggling several key roles, including policymaking, fundraising, and representing Reform UK in the media.
He’s been tasked with leading what the party calls the “UK Doge,” inspired by an American government efficiency model once headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Yusuf will be working alongside millionaire Brexit supporter Arron Banks in councils where Reform UK has influence, aiming to eliminate wasteful spending.
Mixed Reactions From Within the Party
Arron Banks praised Yusuf’s return as an “inspirational move,” describing him as a “brilliant communicator” and a “genius on tech.”
However, Banks wasn’t so kind immediately after Yusuf’s resignation, joking on social media that Yusuf “struggled with relationships and people,” and hinting that some in party headquarters were relieved to see him go.
The Burka Ban Row and Internal Party Friction
Yusuf’s resignation followed a string of internal disputes, including a controversial moment when the party’s newest MP asked a question about banning burkas.
Yusuf publicly called the question “dumb,” which added fuel to the fire.
Despite this, Yusuf insisted his resignation wasn’t about the burka debate itself, but rather the ongoing internal tensions and personal exhaustion.
Nigel Farage Weighs In on Yusuf’s Return
Party leader Nigel Farage confirmed that Yusuf would come back, effectively taking on “four jobs” within the party, though his exact title is still undecided.
Farage’s confidence in Yusuf’s return suggests that Reform UK sees him as an essential figure to help the party keep its momentum going.
Handling Criticism and Professionalism Questions
When asked about the optics of Yusuf resigning and then quickly returning, Richard Tice acknowledged that the chairman’s role is a massive responsibility—especially given the party’s rapid growth.
He explained to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that the workload had become too much for one person, but that the party is reorganizing to better support Yusuf in his new focus on cutting waste and fundraising.
Reform UK’s Strategy on Government Spending and Waste
Tice emphasized the party’s commitment to fighting wasteful spending, saying that their investigations into the councils they now control reveal inefficiencies everywhere.
He sees this as the key to freeing up government funds without raising taxes, and Yusuf is at the heart of this mission.
Critics Label Reform UK a Protest Party With Populist Ideas
Meanwhile, not everyone is impressed. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp dismissed Reform UK as a “protest party” pushing “populist policies that are essentially Liz Truss on steroids.”
He also pointed out that Nigel Farage’s open hostility towards the Conservative Party makes cooperation difficult, painting Reform UK as a disruptive force rather than a constructive partner.
Yusuf Opens Up About His Reasons for Resigning
When he initially resigned, Yusuf cited feeling undervalued and overwhelmed by relentless racist abuse online.
He admitted to making “an error” in his public comments and said exhaustion was a major factor.
He clarified that his resignation wasn’t driven by strong views on the burka but by frustration with internal party dynamics and feeling blindsided by certain political questions.
What Lies Ahead for Reform UK and Zia Yusuf
With Yusuf back in the fold, Reform UK is clearly hoping to stabilize and push forward with a renewed focus on cutting waste and expanding influence.
Whether this shake-up will help the party grow or expose further fractures remains to be seen.
But for now, Yusuf’s return signals a fresh chapter for Reform UK’s ambitious plans.