Zia Yusuf Resigns from Reform UK Amidst Controversy Over Burqa Ban Proposal
Zia Yusuf, a self-identified “British Muslim patriot,” has announced his resignation from the Reform UK party after 11 months in office, following backlash over a proposed ban on the burqa. The chairman of the radical right-wing party criticized a call from within the party to ask Prime Minister Keir Starmer about banning the burqa, labeling it “dumb.”
In a candid post on X, Yusuf expressed his disillusionment with the party’s direction, stating, “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time.” This announcement came shortly after he challenged Reform UK lawmaker Sarah Pochin, who had questioned Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions about potentially banning the burqa “in the interests of public safety.”
Pochin recently secured her seat in a by-election, contributing to the party’s notable gains in a political landscape traditionally dominated by the Labour Party and the Conservatives. Reform UK, known for its anti-immigration stance, has faced accusations of Islamophobia, making Yusuf’s resignation particularly significant.
Yusuf, a former banker who transitioned from the Conservative Party to lead Reform UK after the last general election, had been a key player in the party’s recent electoral successes, including winning four parliamentary seats and achieving a significant presence in local elections. Nigel Farage, the party leader, praised Yusuf on X, calling him “a huge factor in our success on May 1st” and recognizing his considerable talent.
However, tensions within the party have surfaced before. Earlier this year, Reform UK referred lawmaker Rupert Lowe to the police due to allegations of threats against Yusuf. Although prosecutors decided not to pursue charges, Lowe was subsequently suspended from the party.
As Reform UK continues to navigate its internal divisions and controversial policies, Yusuf’s departure raises questions about the party’s future direction and its relationship with diverse communities in the UK.
