Zia Yusuf, who’s been the chairman of Reform UK, has decided to step down. Yeah, it’s official now. He’s walking away from the party — and honestly, it sounds like he’s pretty frustrated. The whole thing started because one of the new MPs, Sarah Pochin, came out with this idea about banning the burqa. And Zia? He wasn’t having it.
He actually called the suggestion “dumb,” which is, well, a pretty strong word coming from someone in his position. But you can tell it wasn’t just a random outburst — he really didn’t agree with the way things were heading inside the party. It felt like this moment kind of exposed a bigger issue — that maybe Reform UK isn’t as united as they want people to believe.
This Wasn’t Just About One Comment
Okay, so let’s be clear: this wasn’t just about one bad take. Zia Yusuf stepping down feels like a response to something deeper. Like, this wasn’t just a disagreement — this was him saying, "I don’t like the direction we’re going in." And that says a lot, especially since Zia isn’t just some background guy. He’s been one of the big reasons Reform UK started getting more organized and serious.
He helped build the structure of the party. He brought in money, people, and probably a bit of hope for making it something stronger. So, when someone like him decides to walk away, it makes you stop and think — what’s really going on behind the scenes?
Also, it wasn’t just Zia. Nathaniel Fried, who was in charge of the party’s efficiency team, also left. Two big names out at the same time? That’s not nothing.
What Does This Mean for Reform UK Now?
This whole thing leaves a bit of a mess behind. Reform UK was trying to become a serious player in UK politics — especially under Nigel Farage’s leadership — but now? It’s kind of looking like there’s some serious disagreement happening on the inside.
Now they’ve got to figure out who’s going to step up and keep things moving. Are they going to shift their views? Or double down on what’s already been said? It’s hard to say.
But one thing’s for sure — Zia Yusuf leaving sends a message. Maybe it’s about principles, maybe it’s about respect, or maybe it’s just about not wanting to be part of something that doesn’t feel right anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s a big moment for the party.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Zia Yusuf has resigned from his position as Reform UK Chairman.
— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) June 5, 2025
Earlier today he tweeted that new Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin was "dumb" for asking Keir Starmer to ban the Burqa at PMQs. pic.twitter.com/v6dqDPIOis
