ZIA YUSUF is plotting a dramatic return to frontline politics simply days after stepping down as chairman of Reform UK.
The 38-year-old, who had walked away from the get together on Thursday, declaring that attempting to make Nigel Farage Prime Minister was now not “a very good use of my time”, has now rejoined the fold with contemporary ambitions — this time, to safe a seat in Parliament.
Simply 48 hours after quitting, Mr Yusuf returned to the get together in a brand new function, overseeing the so-called “Doge” effectivity programme focusing on Reform-run councils, whereas additionally taking a outstanding place in media appearances.
Now, he’s gearing as much as change into the get together’s sixth MP, with sources confirming that he’ll stand within the subsequent by-election the place Reform UK believes it has an actual probability of profitable.
A Reform supply informed The Telegraph: “He would make a unbelievable candidate in the suitable by-election.”
Though there aren’t any by-elections at the moment scheduled, the get together scored a shock victory in Could when Sarah Pochin gained the Runcorn and Helsby seat following Labour MP Mike Amesbury’s resignation.
Mr Farage, the Reform UK chief, admitted he was “not precisely happy” about Yusuf’s resignation final week. The transfer got here shortly after Ms Pochin clashed with Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions, asking whether or not the Labour chief backed a ban on the burka.
Mr Yusuf — who additionally helps a ban — was reportedly pissed off that Reform had shifted focus from core points like internet zero and immigration to spiritual gown.
Now, Dr David Bull, the previous tv presenter, has been appointed as the brand new Reform chairman.
Talking at a press convention on Tuesday, Mr Yusuf stated Dr Bull can be a “phenomenal chairman” and added that he appeared ahead to working for Mr Farage once more.
His return to frontline politics was first reported by Sky Information on Wednesday, amid hypothesis over what assurances he had obtained from Mr Farage to return again into the fold.
Reform UK at the moment has 5 MPs, although the get together suspended the whip from Rupert Lowe, the MP for Nice Yarmouth, following a bitter public spat with Mr Farage.
