Zia Yusuf Leaves Reform UK in Disarray
Zia Yusuf’s resignation as chairman of Reform UK sent shockwaves through the party just as it was gearing up for a pivotal moment in Scottish politics. Yusuf, who took the helm right after the 2024 general election, handed in his notice on June 5, 2025, effective immediately. He didn’t mince words about his reasons either—saying he no longer believed the party could seriously challenge at the polls, despite seeing a boom in both membership and support.
During his 11 months as chairman, Yusuf claimed credit for quadrupling the size of the party's base and pushing Reform UK’s polling numbers from 14% to a striking 30%. Under his watch, the party celebrated some of its strongest-ever showings in elections. Yet, as the dust settles, these achievements fade into the background behind the headline-grabbing turmoil that erupted over the last few days.
Burqa Ban Backlash Threatens Party Unity
The tipping point came from within Reform UK itself. Sarah Pochin, a Reform MP, stirred up a hornet’s nest when she brought the issue of a burqa ban back into the spotlight, challenging Prime Minister Keir Starmer by asking why the UK wasn’t joining countries like France and Denmark in restricting face coverings. The timing couldn’t have been worse. The party scrambled to clarify that Pochin’s comments were her own and not official policy, but the damage was already done. Critics pounced, while internal disagreements spilled into the open.
Nigel Farage stepped in to fan the flames, suggesting a nationwide debate might be worthwhile. That didn’t settle nerves inside Reform HQ; instead, it exposed simmering leadership rifts. One former member summed it up bluntly, calling the leadership scene a ‘shit show.’ There’s no sugarcoating it: Yusuf’s exit puts another dent in Farage’s ambitions to solidify Reform UK as a major force in British politics.
Complicating matters even more, Yusuf’s resignation lands just days before the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election—an event that’s got Scottish political insiders buzzing. Reform UK had been eyeing this contest as a chance to expand its footprint north of the border. Now, they’ll enter that race leaderless and under heavy scrutiny, with rivals circling and party unity in question.
As the party picks up the pieces, attention will turn to who steps in next and whether Reform UK can turn the page, or if internal struggles and controversial debates will keep dragging the party off-course.
