Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s head of policy, has dismissed Nathan Gill, the party’s former leader in Wales who was recently jailed, as “ancient history.”
Gill received a 10.5-year prison sentence on November 21st after confessing to accepting approximately £40,000 in bribes in exchange for delivering pro-Russia interviews and speeches.
Mr. Yusuf stated that he had never met Gill and was only familiar with his case through media reports. He argued that Gill’s actions should not “besmirch” Reform UK.
These remarks follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s challenge to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to initiate an investigation into the party’s alleged Russian ties.
During a Sky News appearance, Mr. Yusuf faced questioning about why the public should trust Reform UK’s stance on Russia, “given that one of their people took money from Russians.”
In response, Mr. Yusuf asserted, “I think that would be an incredibly unreasonable position to take.”
Mr. Yusuf, who previously served as chairman of Reform UK, added, “Nathan Gill, what he did was treasonous. It was horrific. It was awful. He’s now been dealt with by the authorities. He deserves the sentence that he’s gotten.”
“But as you’ve just said, this is a guy which, far as we’re concerned, is ancient history.”
Mr. Yusuf reiterated that he had never met Gill and that it was unfair to “besmirch” Reform UK, Nigel Farage, and the party’s millions of supporters.
Gill, 52, hailing from Llangefni, Anglesey, is believed to have received up to £40,000 to support pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine during his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). He allegedly accepted funds from Oleg Voloshyn, 44, who was once described by the U.S. government as a “pawn” of Russian intelligence services.
At the Old Bailey, Judge Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb stated that Gill had abused his position and eroded “public confidence in democracy.”
Gill was initially a member of the UK Independence Party before following Mr. Farage to the Brexit Party. He briefly served as Reform UK’s leader in Wales before his downfall.
Mr. Yusuf’s comments follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s challenge to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to launch an investigation into Reform UK’s alleged Russian connections, asserting that Gill’s actions “undermines our country.”
In response, Mr. Farage suggested that Sir Keir should investigate Labour’s ties with the Chinese Communist Party.
Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid Cymru’s leader in Westminster, described Mr. Yusuf’s remarks as “deeply troubling.”
“Labelling Nathan Gill as ‘ancient history’, despite these events unfolding less than five years ago, is a cynical attempt to sweep a politically-threatening truth under the carpet,” she said.
“Nathan Gill was not some distant footnote in Reform UK’s evolution. He was a trusted ally of Nigel Farage.”
She urged Reform UK to support a comprehensive investigation into Russian interference in British politics.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey noted that Mr. Farage had previously been paid to appear on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s TV channel, Russia Today, adding, “We must all ask – where do his loyalties really lie?”
Following Gill’s imprisonment, Sir Ed stated, “A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary.”
“Nigel Farage and his party are a danger to national security.”
“Nigel Farage himself was previously paid to be on Putin’s TV channel, Russia Today, and said he was the world leader he admires the most.”
“We must all ask – where do his loyalties really lie? We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our politics.”
Peter Osborne, a Kent County Council cabinet member, says his WhatsApp message is not malicious.
Nathan Gill, 52, is sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison after admitting taking bribes while an MEP.
The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has admitted bribery and will be sentenced on Friday.
Gill attended a police interview on 3 March 2022, and ‘answered no comment to all queries’.
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