Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Reform U.K. Chairman Quits Amid Burqa Ban Debate and Election Results
The head of Reform U.K., Zia Yusuf, has quit his job.
This happened after one of the party's members of parliament asked the government if they would ban the burqa.
Yusuf felt this was a bad idea for the party.
The Reform U.K. leader, Nigel Farage, said he was sad to see Yusuf go.
At the same time, a local election was won by the Labour Party in Scotland, taking the seat from the Scottish National Party.
This result and Farage's comments led to some controversy.
Farage had previously made remarks about the Scottish Labour leader, which were called racist by other parties.
Reform U.K. chairman Zia Yusuf resigned after a debate over a burqa ban.
Yusuf quit because a party MP asked about a burqa ban, which he disagreed with.
Nigel Farage said he was sorry to see Yusuf go.
Scottish Labour won a by-election, taking a seat from the SNP.
Farage faced accusations of racism for comments about the Scottish Labour leader.
- Who
- Zia Yusuf resigned as Chairman of Reform U.K.; Sarah Pochin sparked controversy; Nigel Farage commented on the situation.
- What
- Zia Yusuf resigned from Reform U.K. following an MP's burqa ban question, and Scottish Labour won a crucial by-election.
- When
- Yusuf resigned in June 2025, after an MP's inquiry, and a byelection occurred around the same time.
- Where
- United Kingdom
- Why
- Yusuf resigned due to disagreement over the party's stance and strategy.
Labour/SNP
Reform Party
Reform Party's Perspective
Labour/SNP
Farage's remarks were denounced as racist by the SNP and Labour.
Reform Party
Reform leader Farage celebrated the party's vote share.
- Party Chairman
- Zia Yusuf
- Party
- Reform U.K.
- Date of Yusuf's resignation
- June 4, 2025 (approximately)
- MP who sparked debate
- Sarah Pochin
- By-election Winner
- Scottish Labour (Davy Russell)
- By-election Date
- June 5, 2025