Reform MP Zia Yusuf leaves party after the ‘burka ban’ controversy

06/06/2025
Politics

Zia Yusuf announced his departure from the Reform Party, citing growing differences over the party’s direction and internal culture. A rising figure known for his pragmatic approach to policy and his emphasis on social cohesion, Yusuf had once been seen as a bridge between the party’s core and its more moderate supporters.

The reason for his move was his latest exchange with Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who requested a ban on wearing burkas in the UK.

The question to the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was asked during a debate in the House of Commons: “Given the Prime Minister’s desire to strengthen strategic alignment with our European neighbours, will be in the interests of public safety follow the lead of France, Denmark, Belgium and others and ban the burka?„

“Can I welcome her to her place, but I’m not going to follow her down that line,” the British PM replied, adding: „But now she is here and safely in her place, perhaps she could tell her new party leader that his latest plan to bet £80 billion of unfunded tax cuts, with no idea how he’s going to pay for it, is Liz Truss all over again. Although I think (Ms Pochin) was a Conservative member when Liz Truss was leader, she probably won’t.„

The MP commented on his decision in an X post.

„As I said just last week, he was a huge factor in our success on May 1st and is an enormously talented person. Politics can be a highly pressured and difficult game and Zia has had enough. He is a loss to us and public life,” the Reform head Nigel Farage wrote on X.

MP Pochin also praised Zia Yusuf for his contribution, and said: „He entered politics for all the right reasons, and his dedication, commitment, and the professionalisation he brought to Reform UK will have a lasting legacy.”