Labour minister Darren Jones didn’t hold back during a fiery Question Time clash last night — telling Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf he was insulting his intelligence, not the public’s.
Tensions boiled over as Yusuf dodged questions about how his party plans to pay for its promises, prompting Jones to openly question whether Reform was offering “simple answers to complex problems” without any real plan.
💸 Tax row heats up after Labour’s spending spree
The clash followed Labour’s eye-watering spending review announcement, with the government pledging £300 billion across areas like the NHS, green energy and defence.
Critics say taxes must go up to cover it. Labour insists budgets are already funded — but won’t rule out hikes in the autumn.
So when Yusuf tried to lump Labour and the Tories into the same “political class,” Jones wasn’t having it.
🎤 “I didn’t insult the public – I insulted you”
“I find your comparison personally offensive,” Jones snapped, before listing Labour’s current achievements.
“The thing that is the same is when Reform and the Conservatives give you simple answers to complex promises but don’t tell you how they’re going to do it,” he said, locking eyes with Yusuf. “Those are the questions you should be answering.”
Yusuf tried to deflect: “What’s offensive is insulting the intelligence of the British people.”
Jones shot back: “I didn’t – I insulted your intelligence. Answer the question!”
🔁 Yusuf reappears after brief Reform walkout
Yusuf, now leading Reform’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (yes, it’s actually called DOGE), refused to give details on funding — instead accusing Labour of gaslighting the public and “prioritising foreign citizens.”
But Jones fired back again: “You didn’t answer how you’d do anything you’ve promised.”
It was Yusuf’s first major TV appearance since dramatically quitting as Reform UK’s chairman — only to rejoin 48 hours later in a new role.
You can watch it below:
You may also like: Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf roasted on Question Time with brutal Blackpool gag
