Zia Yusuf quits as Reform UK chair after row over new MP's call for burqa ban
Zia Yusuf has resigned as chair of Reform UK after earlier suggesting it was 'dumb' of the party's newest MP to call for a ban on the burqa.
Yusuf was a donor to the party before becoming its chair last summer after the election.
In a statement on X, Yusuf said: 'Eleven months ago I became chairman of Reform.
'I've worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30%, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results. I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.'
Yusuf clashed with one of the party's MPs, Rupert Lowe, earlier this year, which led to the parliamentarian's suspension amid allegations of threats.
More details soon …
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