Zia Yusuf has resigned as the chairman of Reform UK, saying "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time". In a post on social media, Yusuf did not expand further on his reasons for stepping down.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has been dealt a major blow after the party’s chairman resigned following a row over banning the burka. Zia Yusuf announced on Thursday that he was quitting the role he has held for almost a year.

Zia Yusuf resigned as chairman of Reform UK after 11 months in the job, delivering a blow to its leader, Nigel Farage, who has promised to build and professionalize the insurgent party in a quest for power at the next general election.