Zia Yusuf, the British Muslim chair of Reform UK, has faced a wave of racist and Islamophobic abuse following the party’s suspension of MP Rupert Lowe.
Reform UK announced on Friday that Lowe was suspended over allegations of verbal threats of physical violence against Yusuf. The party also accused Lowe of bullying two female staff members.
Lowe has denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
The Fallout Begins
Following the suspension, Yusuf became the target of relentless online abuse. Many of the hateful comments came from supporters of Reform UK.
Far-right commentators and conspiracy theorists have suggested that Yusuf orchestrated Lowe’s suspension to weaken the party’s hardline stance on immigration and Islam.
One viral post claimed:
“Did Zia Yusuf buy into Reform just to destroy it from within?”
Another user posted:
“A Britain-focused party cannot have a Mohammedan as the chair.”
Far-right commentator Laurence Fox added fuel to the fire, saying Yusuf’s role in Reform UK was incompatible with the party’s identity. His post racked up over 18,000 likes.
Yusuf Stands His Ground
Yusuf, who describes himself as a “British Muslim patriot,” has rejected claims that his faith conflicts with his political role.
“Millions gave their lives in the World Wars to protect British values, including hundreds of thousands of Muslims,” Yusuf said last year.
He insists most British Muslims share these values. However, many in Reform UK disagree.
Lowe, known for his hardline stance on immigration and Islam, has openly called for mass deportations and a ban on halal slaughter. Last week, he insisted that no Palestinian asylum seekers should be allowed into Britain.
A Divided Party
Reform UK is now grappling with internal divisions. While Nigel Farage has softened his rhetoric on Islam in recent years, many in the party want a more aggressive approach.
Farage has warned that alienating British Muslims would be a political mistake. But Lowe and his supporters believe Reform is becoming too soft on key issues like immigration and national identity.
The party’s poll numbers remain strong — a recent survey placed Reform at 25%, tied with Labour. However, this internal conflict could undermine its future success.
You may also like: Reform UK imposes media gag on members amid internal row
