Muhammad Ziauddin "Zia" Yusuf is the most prominent non-elected figure in Reform UK. Born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire in October 1986 to Sri Lankan Muslim parents who both worked for the NHS, he was educated at Hampton School in Richmond before reading at the London School of Economics. He went on to build a career in business and technology investment, becoming a wealthy figure in London financial circles — and, for much of the 2010s and early 2020s, a significant donor to the Conservative Party.
His political journey took a sharp turn in the run-up to the July 2024 general election. Yusuf became a prominent backer and supporter of Reform UK, addressing a pre-election rally at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre on 30 June 2024 — days before polling day. When Reform UK won five seats and 4.1 million votes, he was ideally positioned to take on a central organisational role.
Party Chairman, 2024–25
On 11 July 2024 — four days after the general election — Nigel Farage announced Yusuf as the new chairman of Reform UK, succeeding Richard Tice who had won the Boston and Skegness seat and was moving to a parliamentary role. It was an unusual appointment: a Muslim businessman, formerly of the Conservative Party, at the helm of a party widely associated with hardline immigration politics. Yusuf's explanation — that he sees firm border controls as compatible with his faith and his respect for British civic values — attracted both praise and scepticism.
As chairman, Yusuf oversaw a sustained effort to professionalise Reform UK's party machine: expanding the membership database, improving candidate selection processes, and building donor networks ahead of local and mayoral elections. He became, alongside Farage, one of the party's most recognisable faces — frequently appearing on television and at party events.
Resignation and return
In June 2025, Yusuf abruptly resigned as chairman, citing exhaustion. The resignation lasted a matter of days; he briefly returned to the party before stepping aside for good from the chairmanship. Dr David Bull, a broadcaster and former deputy leader of the party, took over as chairman. Yusuf did not disappear from the scene, however — he moved into a policy-facing role, heading the party's Department of Government Efficiency from June to October 2025, then serving as Head of Policy from September 2025 through to February 2026.
Spokesperson for Home Affairs
On 17 February 2026, Nigel Farage announced Yusuf as Reform UK's Spokesperson for Home Affairs — one of the most high-profile briefs in a party that has made immigration and law-and-order the centrepiece of its political identity. The appointment puts a Muslim politician at the forefront of Reform UK's messaging on topics including small boat crossings, asylum policy, and counter-extremism. Yusuf has argued consistently that meaningful restrictions on immigration are in the long-term interest of integrated communities, including Muslim communities in Britain.
Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Muhammad Ziauddin 'Zia' Yusuf (born October 1986) is Reform UK's Spokesperson for Home Affairs. He is one of the most prominent non-MP figures in the party, having served as Chairman from July 2024 to June 2025. A British-Scottish businessman and former Conservative donor, he became a central figure in reforming and professionalising the party's organisation after its 2024 general election breakthrough.
Yes. Zia Yusuf was appointed Reform UK Chairman on 11 July 2024, succeeding Richard Tice who had become an MP. He held the chairmanship until June 2025, when he briefly resigned citing exhaustion before returning to the party in a different role. David Bull subsequently became chairman.
As of February 2026, Zia Yusuf serves as Reform UK's Spokesperson for Home Affairs. He previously served as Head of Reform UK's Department of Government Efficiency (June–October 2025) and as the party's Head of Policy (September 2025 – February 2026).
Zia Yusuf was born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland in October 1986. His parents were Sri Lankan Muslims who emigrated to the UK in the early 1980s and both worked for the NHS. He was educated at Hampton School in Richmond and studied at the London School of Economics.
Yes. Zia Yusuf is a Muslim of Sri Lankan heritage — one of the most prominent Muslim figures in Reform UK. This has attracted significant commentary given the party's hardline stance on immigration, which Yusuf argues is distinct from concerns about Islam as a faith.
Yes. Zia Yusuf was a member of the Conservative Party until August 2024. He had been a significant Conservative donor before switching his support to Reform UK, becoming one of the party's principal financial backers ahead of the July 2024 general election.