### Reform UK in Turmoil: Zia Yusuf's Rollercoaster Resignation and Return - Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Reform UK, has created a stir in British politics by resigning from his position just 48 hours after initially stepping down. His resignation was prompted by internal conflicts regarding a proposed burqa ban, which he publicly criticized, leading to a significant backlash from party members. Yusuf's return to the party has raised questions about the stability and direction of Reform UK, especially under the leadership of Nigel Farage, who has faced criticism for the party's internal strife [https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/35305460/reform-uk-zia-yusuf-rejoin-party-quits-chairman][https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/nigel-farages-party-more-chaos-35354656]. ### Breakdown of Events: Resignation and Reinstatement 1. **Initial Resignation**: - Zia Yusuf resigned on June 5, 2025, citing exhaustion and a lack of belief in the party's direction, particularly after a dispute over a burqa ban proposed by a party MP [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3451081-zia-yusufs-sudden-resignation-shakes-reform-uk-party]. 2. **Reason for Resignation**: - His resignation followed a heated exchange where he labeled the MP's call for a burqa ban as "dumb," indicating a deepening rift within the party [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/05/zia-yusuf-quits-as-chair-of-reform-uk-after-new-mps-call-for-burqa-ban]. 3. **Return to the Party**: - Just two days later, on June 7, Yusuf announced his return via a post on social media, stating that he regretted his previous decision and felt compelled to rejoin the party [https://au.news.yahoo.com/zia-yusuf-returning-reform-uk-164544721.html]. 4. **Party Dynamics**: - The situation has been described as chaotic, with Farage acknowledging that Yusuf's resignation was a significant blow to the party's image and stability [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14786531/Reform-crisis-Nigel-Farage-party-infighting-Zia-Yusuf-quits.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Internal Conflict - **Public Statements**: - Yusuf's initial resignation was marked by a strong statement where he expressed doubts about the party's future, saying, "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time" [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigel-farage-dealt-major-blow-165458216.html]. - **Party Leadership Reactions**: - Farage's comments on the situation reflect a broader concern about the party's unity, as he noted that Yusuf had "snapped" under pressure from extreme factions within the party [https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2064988/nigel-farage-zia-yusuf-resigns-burqa-ban]. ### Conclusion: A Party at a Crossroads - **Key Findings**: 1. **Instability**: The rapid resignation and reinstatement of Zia Yusuf highlight significant instability within Reform UK, raising questions about its leadership and future direction. 2. **Internal Conflict**: The dispute over the burqa ban has exposed deep divisions within the party, suggesting that ideological differences may hinder its electoral ambitions. 3. **Future Implications**: As Yusuf returns, the party must navigate these internal challenges while attempting to maintain its public image and electoral viability. - **Final Thoughts**: The events surrounding Zia Yusuf's brief resignation and subsequent return underscore the precarious nature of leadership within Reform UK, particularly as it seeks to establish itself as a serious contender in British politics [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-05/reform-uk-chairman-zia-yusuf-quits-in-blow-to-nigel-farage].