Turmoil in Reform U.K. as Chairman Resigns Over Burqa Debate

The abrupt resignation of Reform U.K. chairman Zia Yusuf has exposed fractures within the party, ignited by a controversial debate surrounding the burqa and conflicting viewpoints among senior members.

In a surprising turn of events, Zia Yusuf has resigned as chairman of Reform U.K., Britain’s anti-immigration political party, causing significant unrest within the organization. Yusuf's departure follows a fierce internal dispute stemming from comments made by newly appointed MP Sarah Pochin, who called for a ban on the burqa. His dissent over her remarks, which he described as “dumb,” reflects the party's ongoing struggle to maintain a cohesive identity and strategy.

Yusuf, known for his wealth and his identity as a “British Muslim patriot,” was seen as a pivotal figure in building the party’s framework. The tensions escalated when he disagreed with Pochin's call for a policy that diverged from the party's official stance outlined during the last election. Notably, Reform’s chief whip, Lee Anderson, publicly contradicted Yusuf, advocating for the burqa ban.

In a brief statement on social media, Yusuf cited a loss of faith in the party’s direction as his reason for stepping down, declaring, “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.” This resignation is likely to raise questions about the party's future cohesion and the leadership of Nigel Farage as they navigate mounting internal conflicts.