Nigel Farage admitted former Reform chairman Zia Yusuf 'lost his rag' last week when he lashed out at a 'dumb' question by a party MP about a burka ban and then briefly quit.
During a trip to Wales, the party leader stated that Mr. Yusuf has become "highly engaged and enthusiastic" again just after spending less than two days away from his role.
Mr Farage acknowledged he wasn’t particularly pleased with what Mr Yusuf said when Mr Yusuf tweeted that Sarah Pochin’s question during Prime Minister’s Questions regarding the ban of Islamic veils was ‘unintelligent’.
However, when speaking with journalists in Port Talbot, he stated that 'mistakes happen,' and regarding Mr. Yusuf, he said, ' He apologized, and I forgave him."
Mr. Yusuf, who previously worked as a banker, has come back to Reform but will now play a more minor part in spearheading their initiative aimed at reducing wasteful spending within local councils.
This morning he issued an embarrassing on-air apology for his part in the public dispute.
He firmly stated that his tweet did not criticize her intelligence, but rather, he was merely pointing out that her question itself was unintelligent.
The offspring of Sri Lankan Muslim migrants stated that were he a member of parliament, he would support prohibiting facial coverings in public spaces. Despite this stance, he usually feels uncomfortable with implementing bans.
Mr. Yusuf stepped down as chairman 24 hours following his critique of Ms. Pochin but then unexpectedly reversed course and rejoined the party ranks 48 hours later on Saturday.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he reaffirmed that 'fatigue resulted in a bad choice' to resign, adding that Ms Pochin was 'an excellent MP and a remarkable asset to both the party and the House of Commons.'
On Thursday afternoon, when announcing his resignation, Mr. Yusuf stated: "I no longer consider dedicating my time to help elect a reform government as worthwhile, and therefore I am stepping down from this position."
When asked about the controversy surrounding the burka ban, he stated that he "definitely did not step down due to having any firm opinions on the burqa." However, he felt caught off guard by the line of questioning.
Mr Yusuf informed Today: " If I were a Member of Parliament, I would seriously consider this issue and likely support prohibiting facial coverings in public spaces broadly, rather than just focusing on the burqa. For instance, I've witnessed masked Antifa extremists threatening Nigel, intimidating our staff members, and assaulting one of his security personnel, resulting in a knocked-out tooth.
It's quite menacing, and we're living in perilous times.
What irritated me back then was that I believed asking a question regarding an issue of policy was the right move at that moment.
I am quite uncomfortable with prohibiting actions that could potentially violate constitutional rights in the United States, which I believe it would, yet we face a distinct set of circumstances here in the UK. Therefore, I would ponder this matter thoroughly; however, I likely would support such a ban.
The former chairman will also be involved in policy formulation, raising funds, and appearing in media as he leads this role. The so-called 'UK Doge,' associated with the US Department of Government Efficiency, which was previously headed by technology tycoon Elon Musk.
He will work together with another wealthy individual, the Brexit supporter Arron Banks, in councils led by Reform to eliminate alleged wasteful practices.
Mr Banks, who ran as a Reform Party candidate in the local elections in May, stated yesterday that Mr Yusuf's return was ' 'an inspiring decision' that capitalized on the strengths of an individual who was 'صند$fdata an exceptional communicator with the media and a master of technology.'
On Friday night, following Mr. Yusuf's resignation, his comments were more critical. He tweeted: "Although Zia put in significant effort, he had difficulties with interpersonal relationships. There will surely be celebrations at the party headquarters tonight... Progress will continue regardless..."
Nigel Farage, the party leader, told The Sunday Times newspaper that Mr. Yusuf would come back and essentially take on "four roles," although an official title for him hasn’t been determined yet.
Yesterday, Richard Tice, who is the deputy leader, was presented with this information. it appears rather unprofessional for the Reform Party’s chairperson to keep coming back after leaving multiple times.
He spoke to the BBC’s "Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg" program and said, "'Zia Yusuf has performed exceptionally well in expanding the party, establishing extensive infrastructure with more than 400 branches. However, this endeavor became overwhelming due to the rapid growth, making it unmanageable for just one individual. Therefore, we’re restructuring, and I’m pleased to share that Zia will remain part of the party, concentrating his efforts on our Dogecoin division."
'Given all the wasteful spending you have mentioned, how can the government discover additional funds?'
The most important step is to cease squandering funds. Unfortunately, as we examine the operations of the 10 councils we have taken charge of, we are finding inefficiency and wasteful practices at every turn, and these must come to an end.
'Zia will concentrate on this area, along with raising funds. It's wonderful news that he's part of our team.'
In the meantime, Chris Philp, who serves as the shadow home secretary, referred to Reform UK as a 'protest party,' adding that they are promoting 'hyperbolized populist policies reminiscent of an amplified version of Liz Truss.'
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