Zia Yusuf’s unexpected political comeback is stirring intrigue, just days after his abrupt exit from Reform UK. What’s driving his renewed ambitions?
Zia Yusuf is plotting a dramatic return to frontline politics just days after stepping down as chair (Image: Getty)
ZIA YUSUF is plotting a dramatic return to frontline politics just days after stepping down as chairman of Reform UK.
The 38-year-old, who had walked away from the party on Thursday, declaring that trying to make Nigel Farage Prime Minister was no longer “a good use of my time”, has now rejoined the fold with fresh ambitions — this time, to secure a seat in Parliament.
Just 48 hours after quitting, Mr Yusuf returned to the party in a new role, overseeing the so-called “Doge” efficiency programme targeting Reform-run councils, while also taking a prominent place in media appearances.
Now, he is gearing up to become the party’s sixth MP, with sources confirming that he will stand in the next by-election where Reform UK believes it has a real chance of winning.
A Reform source told The Telegraph: “He would make a fantastic candidate in the right by-election.”
Although there are no by-elections currently scheduled, the party scored a shock victory in May when Sarah Pochin won the Runcorn and Helsby seat following Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s resignation.
Mr Farage, the Reform UK leader, admitted he was “not exactly chuffed” about Yusuf’s resignation last week. The move came shortly after Ms Pochin clashed with Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions, asking whether the Labour leader backed a ban on the burka.
Mr Yusuf — who also supports a ban — was reportedly frustrated that Reform had shifted focus from core issues like net zero and immigration to religious dress.
Now, Dr David Bull, the former television presenter, has been appointed as the new Reform chairman.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Yusuf said Dr Bull would be a “phenomenal chairman” and added that he looked forward to working for Mr Farage again.
His return to frontline politics was first reported by Sky News on Wednesday, amid speculation over what assurances he had received from Mr Farage to come back into the fold.
Reform UK currently has five MPs, though the party suspended the whip from Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, following a bitter public spat with Mr Farage.
