Nigel Farage, the man who helped reshape British politics with Brexit, is now facing an existential crisis within his own party, as furious insiders demand the removal of Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf.
Amid rising tensions, former allies such as Rupert Lowe and Ben Habib have turned against the leadership, with many blaming the party’s current woes on Yusuf’s influence. Calls are growing for Farage to sack him—but there’s one major problem: he can’t.
Reform 2025 Ltd, the company controlling the party, is locked in a deadlock structure, with Yusuf and Farage having equal authority. Without Yusuf’s agreement, no decision—however urgent—can be made. The power struggle has left Reform UK paralysed, unable to move forward as internal divisions explode into the public domain.
Infighting Engulfs Reform UK
The crisis reached boiling point when Rupert Lowe, a former MEP and recently suspended Reform MP for Great Yarmouth, criticised Reform’s leadership, branding Farage ‘messianic’ and accusing the party of crushing dissent. What immediately followed was Lowe’s suspension, and allegations of ‘bullying’ and ‘threats’ towards Yusuf from three months prior, which has only deepened the rift.
Lowe, however, insists he is the victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by senior figures desperate to maintain control. His departure, along with the growing discontent among Reform insiders, raises serious questions about the party’s stability.
Meanwhile, former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib has openly questioned Farage’s ability to grow the party beyond his own brand. In an intervention, Habib warned that unless Reform UK expands its leadership and decision-making structure, it could collapse before it ever becomes a serious political force.
The Yusuf Problem
Critics within Reform UK are pointing fingers at one man—Zia Yusuf. Since his arrival as chairman, tensions have escalated, and now, many inside the party are demanding that he goes. However, with Reform 2025 Ltd structured in a way that prevents either Yusuf or Farage from acting alone, sacking him is impossible without mutual agreement.
“This is the pickle Farage finds himself in,” said a Reform insider. “Nigel wants to act, but his hands are tied. It’s a stalemate.”
Party supporters are watching anxiously as the crisis unfolds, fearing that continued infighting could derail Reform’s momentum, just as it prepares for the upcoming Runcorn and Helsby by-election—a critical test of its electoral credibility.
Will Farage Take Drastic Action?
With pressure mounting, some insiders are hinting at drastic measures, including an attempt to force Yusuf out through other means. Raheem Kassam, a close Farage ally, has suggested that action must be taken to restore unity before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, Reform voters and donors are growing restless, demanding strong leadership and a decisive resolution to the crisis.
One former regional director, who has since left the party, did not mince words about the unfolding chaos:
“Ever since Zia arrived, things have gone downhill. He’s alienated people, and communicating with him is impossible. The way he’s treating Rupert Lowe is disgraceful, and now the world is finally seeing it for what it is.
“He’s picked on the wrong guy. Rupert is hugely popular, and if this can happen to someone like him, who on earth would want to stand for Reform in the future? The whole thing was orchestrated—Zia put out that statement almost immediately after Rupert dared to question the leadership, making it seem like Rupert was ridiculously a bully in his office. But it had nothing to do with Rupert! Then, out of nowhere, Zia also dredged up a three months-old argument and suddenly then overnight reported Rupert to the police. I mean talk about below the belt and pathetic!
“They think they’ve gotten away with it because it hasn’t hurt them in the polls—yet. But make no mistake, it will. If this continues, the party won’t even make it to 2029. Resentment is simmering everywhere, and it’s only a matter of time before it boils over.”
The question now is: will Farage find a way to break the deadlock, or will his party implode under the weight of its own divisions? Will Reform get back on track if Farage finds a way to oust Yusuf?
A recent poll of Conservative and Reformer Post readers showed 71% wanted Nigel Farage to somehow sack Zia Yusuf.
One thing is clear—Reform UK is in turmoil, and the future of Britain’s biggest insurgent party now hangs in the balance.
Main Image: Nigel Farage image for illustration purposes only. Image created on Grok. Reform Party Chairman Zia Yusuf addressing a packed crowd at the NEC in Birmingham 30/6/2024. Licence: Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
