One of the prominent leaders of Reform U.K., the anti-immigration party spearheaded by Nigel Farage, unexpectedly stepped down on Thursday, deepening existing tensions within the party. Zia Yusuf, who held the chairman position, resigned after a confrontation with fellow party member Sarah Pochin over comments regarding the burqa, marking a significant shift for the fledgling political entity.

Yusuf's departure is a setback for Reform U.K., as he played an instrumental role in establishing its foundational structure. His resignation follows Pochin's call for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to impose a ban on the burqa, which Yusuf criticized as “dumb” and misaligned with the party’s official stance during the previous general election.

This clash illustrates the fractures within the party ideologically, as Reform's chief whip, Lee Anderson, publicly expressed support for Pochin's stance, advocating for transparency in public identity. In a social media statement, Yusuf cited his disillusionment with the mission of the party, stating, “I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.” His exit raises concerns over the party's coherence and its future direction in the competitive landscape of British politics.