Zia Yusuf, who resigned from his post as Reform UK chairman on Thursday, will return to the party in a newly created role.
Yusuf will lead the party’s “Doge team,” a unit modeled after the Department of Government Efficiency established by former US President Donald Trump.
Earlier this week, Yusuf announced his resignation, stating that continuing with the party was no longer an effective use of his time.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed his delight at Yusuf’s return on Saturday, noting Yusuf will now assume a more public-facing role, with increased media appearances.
Farage attributed Yusuf’s previous resignation to “11 months of hard work and exhaustion,” adding that Yusuf “regrets what he said and did.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yusuf explained his resignation, citing burnout after 11 months of dedicated volunteer work.
He reiterated his belief in Nigel Farage’s leadership and his continued commitment to the party’s ideals.
Prior to his resignation, Yusuf criticized Sarah Pochin, the party’s recent by-election victor, for her suggestion that the Prime Minister ban the burka.
Yusuf considered this request inconsistent with the party’s platform, which does not advocate for a burka ban.
Farage highlighted the significant online harassment Yusuf, a Muslim, receives, particularly when discussions of Islam arise, suggesting much of it originates from bots aiming to discredit Reform UK.
Farage emphasized Yusuf’s regret and his desire to continue contributing to the party.
In a BBC News interview, Farage confirmed Yusuf’s clearly defined new role, acknowledging his previous workload was excessive.
Farage attributed the party’s recent successes to Yusuf’s efforts, explaining his resignation as a reaction to intense online abuse and burnout.
Opposition parties criticized Reform UK’s handling of the situation, with Labour labeling it “humiliating” and the Liberal Democrats calling it a “game of musical chairs.”
Farage dismissed these criticisms, expressing confidence in the party’s strengthened position following the episode.
Yusuf, a former banker who sold his tech company for over £200 million and a former Conservative Party member, played a significant role in Reform UK’s operations since becoming chairman last year.
The party officially launched its Doge UK team this week, focusing on identifying potential spending cuts in councils under Reform UK control.
Further appointments are anticipated within an expanded management structure, including a new chairman and deputy chairman expected next week.
Newly elected councillors are navigating coalition dynamics in councils with no overall control.
Labour’s Davy Russell secured victory with 8,559 votes, a majority of 602 over the SNP.
Nathaniel Fried resigned from Reform UK on Thursday, following Zia Yusuf’s departure.
Reform UK achieved its best-ever Scottish parliamentary election result, securing a 26% vote share.
The Conservative Party did not field candidates in the recent Norfolk by-elections.