The head of Reform UK’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) has resigned, citing uncertainty following the departure of the party chairman. The tech entrepreneur, who led the initiative for 11 months, stated that the resignation of chairman Zia Yusuf, along with Nathaniel Fried who was also leading the unit, created doubt about the project’s future.
Yusuf and Fried resigned on Thursday. When asked about the ongoing Doge audit of Kent County Council (KCC) and its resemblance to Elon Musk’s American project, the former head of Doge responded, “I don’t know, to be honest; I’m no longer in charge.”
Reform UK councillors at KCC insist that operations remain unchanged following the resignations. Fried expressed concerns that the initiative’s trajectory might be altered without Yusuf, who he described as the project’s driving force.
KCC deputy leader Brian Collins affirmed that “absolutely nothing’s changed,” emphasizing that the council’s focus and mission remain unaltered. Both Yusuf and Fried participated in the Doge team’s initial KCC meeting on Monday, a meeting Reform UK deemed “very productive,” although the party acknowledged uncertainty regarding the timeline for recommendations.
The Doge initiative, modeled after Elon Musk’s similar project, aims to identify and eliminate wasteful spending. Responding to concerns about the loss of key personnel, Collins stated that the council’s 57 elected councillors constitute the “engine room.”
However, criticism ensued. Anthony Hook, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on KCC, called the situation “utter chaos,” characterizing the unit as a “circus” rather than an effective team. Conservative councillor Sarah Hudson echoed this sentiment, describing the situation as a “mockery.”
Fried, who volunteered his services, explained his motivation as a belief that “the social contract between taxpayers and the British government has been a little bit broken.” He acknowledged the public’s likely disappointment but expressed confidence in the local councillors’ commitment and efforts.
A Reform UK spokesperson confirmed the continuation of the Doge unit’s work, emphasizing its broader scope beyond individual personnel. The party highlighted the ongoing Doge initiatives in other Reform-controlled councils.
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