Turmoil Within Reform UK Over Zia Yusuf’s Role

Reform UK is caught in a bitter internal dispute centered on home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf. The conflict intensified after political commentator Tim Montgomerie was suspended for publicly criticizing Yusuf’s conduct and Farage’s tone following the recent Clacton by-election. Montgomerie, who defected from the Conservatives in 2024, called Yusuf’s behavior “inappropriate and counter-productive” and questioned whether Farage could keep him under control. Party insiders report that the suspension was approved by chief whip Lee Anderson before Montgomerie’s Spectator column became public, and that Farage was unaware of the decision.

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Yusuf’s presence has repeatedly sparked controversy. In May, he rebuked colleague Robert Jenrick over the party’s deportation policy, and in 2025 he abruptly quit as party chairman after a dispute about the burka with MP Sarah Pochin. Sources say Yusuf returned to the party within 48 hours after a brief exit, which Farage attributed to “work-related exhaustion.” Tensions also exist between Yusuf and recent Tory defectors; a Reform source described Yusuf as “rude” and “an ego-mani­ac,” while another suggested he may be positioning himself for future leadership.

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• Zia Yusuf – Home affairs spokesman, noted for blunt speaking style.

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• Nigel Farage – Leader of Reform UK.

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• Tim Montgomerie – Centre-right commentator, suspended for criticism of Yusuf.

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• Lee Anderson – Party chief whip who signed off Montgomerie’s suspension.

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• Rupert Lowe – Former Reform MP now heading the rival Restore Britain party; warned Farage about Yusuf.

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• Richard Tice – Deputy leader, reportedly interested in succeeding Farage.

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• Tom Waterhouse – General secretary, cited in complaints about Montgomerie’s conduct.

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A Reform spokesperson affirmed Yusuf’s long-term value to the party, emphasizing his popularity with the base and his effectiveness on press conferences. Farage publicly rebuked Yusuf’s earlier “traitor” comment about former defence secretary Ben Wallace, calling the remark “over the top.” The party’s leadership also noted that the general secretary and chairman had received months of complaints about Montgermannie’s behaviour, prompting disciplinary action to protect the organization.

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Analysts note that the infighting fuels paranoia about leaks, with some sources suggesting Farage is “absolutely furious” over recent Sunday Times stories linking him to convicted fraudster George Cottrell. Yusuf’s unrepentant stance on social media, where he claims to be a “lethal electoral threat” to the Conservative press, raises concerns that a faction could defect to Restore Britain if he leaves Reform. The dispute highlights the party’s struggle to balance outspoken personalities with internal cohesion ahead of future elections.

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