Zia Yusuf resigns as Chair of Reform UK

The son of Muslim Sri Lankan immigrants, who last year thought he had purchased his way to political influence, yesterday resigned saying that working to get the party elected was "no longer a good use of my time".

His resignation may or may not be connected to calls by Reform UK's newest MP to ban the burka, a veil worn by some Muslim women that covers the face and body.

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ArishMell · 70-79, M

Well, frankly, there should be no place in any political party for anyone thinking they had bought their way in to gain influence, if for personal advantage rather than public service.

I don't know if that was Zia Yusuf's motive, but if it was, and if his comment about his time summarises his attitude towards politics, it is as well he has resigned.

That is irrespective of which Party he had joined. I would say similarly had he been Chairman of Labour, Conservative, Liberal-Democrat, Green or one of the secessionist parties, or if he had tried to be an Independent politician.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@ArishMell He looked incongruous and never really explained his personal politics. I assumed he was a businessman in the mould of Elon Musk.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@SunshineGirl I didn't know that - thankyou for those details.

exchrist · 31-35

Id thought zia was largely popular. How can they ban wearing a burka?, no yamakas either? Cannot wear a cross or monk robs? What about freedom of expression as well as religion? No scarves hats or face masks. I thought England was better than that.
Also all politicains "purchase their way" to political office. Its called campaign contribution adcertising and recruitment?
Sounds more like the legislature isnt ready to modernize to a changing social climate.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@exchrist It was not in the party manifesto, but their newest MP (who won a by-election last month by six votes), used her first question in parliament to urge the PM to ban the burka. Apparently she got the idea from questions posted by her supporters on social media. It has immediately split the party and will hopefully make them seem less attractive to the electorate.

There are strict rules on direct funding of election campaigns in the UK, but Zia Yusuf (who is unelected) was given his post after dobating £200K last year.

exchrist · 31-35

@SunshineGirl zomething smells fishy.

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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Miram Exactly. Government should not be getting involved in telling people what they can or cannot wear.

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exchrist · 31-35

Regardless of the attire political office is not a "good use" of anyones time. Lots of back and forth pointless bickering and then renegging of progress. So . . . Yea

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@exchrist If it splits the loonies and stops them from gaining real power, it serves a purpose . .

exchrist · 31-35

@SunshineGirl yes we can hope.

UBotMate

Can we ban muscle shirts please? Who wants a shirt with a sleeve that barely goes past your shoulder? 🙄

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@UBotMate Good call.

I want to ban red or mustard coloured trousers for men over 60.

Keep them coming 😅

UBotMate

@SunshineGirl All forms of bikini style underwear and swimming trunks for men except if they are an Olympic athlete with a legitimate reason for wearing them 👏

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@UBotMate Good policy idea . . trunks licenses.

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