“Ever since Ben Habib left, things have been going wrong, and everything seems to point back to Zia Yusuf. It seems he gets rid of everyone who questions him—Ben, Howard Cox, Gwain Towler, Paul Oakden, Rupert Lowe…”
In a move that has left local members both stunned and disheartened, the Stafford branch of Reform UK has been abruptly shut down by the party’s Regional Manager.
This decision has sparked concerns about the party’s internal dynamics and its commitment to grassroots involvement.
The closure, announced on the branch’s official Facebook page, revealed that the acting Chairman and officers were not only removed from their positions but also faced threats of disciplinary action for their attempts to manage the branch’s affairs.
According to the post, despite repeated appeals for clarification and assistance, including letters addressed to Zia Yusuf, the party’s Chairman, there has been a resounding silence from the central leadership.
The post explains the unexpected shutdown has severely hampered the branch’s efforts to support candidates in the upcoming County Council elections. Members have expressed frustration over the lack of access to the membership list and the imposition of an external Chairman, which they feel undermines local autonomy.
Worryingly, this incident appears to be part of a broader pattern. Reports from across the country indicate that dedicated Reform UK members are being ousted without clear justification, only to be replaced by centrally appointed figures. This trend has led to speculation that Nigel Farage, the party’s leader, may be losing his grip on the organisation, with suggestions that individuals lacking political and local governance experience are now at the helm.
The internal discord for Reform UK doesn’t end there. The party is currently embroiled in a high-profile dispute involving MP Rupert Lowe, who has been suspended amid allegations of bullying and threats towards party Chairman Zia Yusuf. Lowe has vehemently denied these claims, attributing his suspension to his outspoken criticism of the party’s direction under Farage’s leadership.
As the row intensifies, many within the party believe that Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf is at the centre of the internal discord, with some suggesting he has contributed to the upheaval. A former Reform UK Regional Director, speaking to the Conservative and Reformer Post, claimed that the party has been in disarray ever since Ben Habib’s departure, with Yusuf frequently cited as a central figure in the turmoil. “Ever since Ben Habib left, things have been going wrong, and everything seems to point back to Zia Yusuf. It seems he gets rid of everyone who questions him—Ben, Howard Cox, Gwain Towler, Paul Oakden, Rupert Lowe… and there are many more behind the scenes,” they said.
Frustration among grassroots members is mounting, with growing calls for Nigel Farage to take action. “When will Nigel wake up? The members don’t want Zia,” the source added, echoing concerns that the party’s leadership is increasingly at odds with its base.
As these internal conflicts unfold, the future of Reform UK hangs in the balance. The party’s commitment to democratic principles and grassroots participation is being called into question, leaving members and supporters uncertain about its direction in the lead-up to crucial elections.
A former Conservative MP added: “One thing is for certain… Britain needs Reform UK to weather this storm. At a time when the Conservatives drifted to the left, Reform UK serves as a crucial counterbalance, keeping true conservative principles alive. If the party can overcome its internal divisions and refocus on its core mission, it has the potential to become a formidable force in British politics—one that puts common-sense conservatism back on the menu and offers voters a genuine alternative to the status quo.” Watch this space.
