Zia Yusuf has stepped down as chairman of Reform UK, stating that pushing to elect a Reform government is no longer "a good use of my time."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yusuf did not elaborate on the reasons for his resignation. However, his departure follows criticism he voiced over Reform MP Sarah Pochin’s recent remarks in Parliament, in which she called for a ban on the burka. Yusuf had branded the move "dumb," pointing out the contradiction of asking the Prime Minister to implement a policy Reform itself does not officially support.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed disappointment, calling Yusuf “enormously talented” and crediting him as a “huge factor” in the party’s recent electoral success, which included a by-election win, two mayoral victories, and the addition of 677 councillors.

“Politics is a highly pressured and difficult game, and Zia has clearly had enough,” Farage wrote. “He is a loss to us and to public life.”

Deputy leader Richard Tice also praised Yusuf’s contributions, saying, “We would not be where we are today without him.”

Yusuf, a former banker and tech entrepreneur who sold his company for over £200 million, became Reform’s chairman 11 months ago after a stint with the Conservative Party. During his time in the role, he claims to have helped grow the party’s polling numbers from 14% to 30%, quadrupled its membership, and overseen what he called "historic" election results. He also donated £200,000 to the party.

In addition to his strategic leadership, Yusuf led the party's “DOGE” teams – a nod to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency – aimed at cutting waste in councils where Reform holds power.

Tensions within the party have been growing. Yusuf’s resignation follows the expulsion of Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, who was accused of threatening Yusuf and harassing staff. While Lowe denied the allegations, the case was referred to police, and the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately decided not to pursue charges.

Responding to Yusuf’s departure, Lowe questioned how someone “with no political experience” was given such influence in Reform.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper quipped that Yusuf "sacked himself" and compared his exit to the party’s DOGE efficiency push. “You have to admire his commitment to the cause,” she added.

A Labour Party spokesperson used the moment to take aim at Farage: “If Nigel Farage can’t manage a handful of MPs, how could he possibly run the country? Reform are just not serious.”

Despite rising support in national polls and five MPs in Parliament, Reform UK continues to struggle with internal divisions and public scrutiny as it eyes a larger role on the national stage. Photo by Z979, Wikimedia commons.