Reform UK chairman reverses decision to quit party

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf has reversed his decision to quit the party, saying "the mission is too important" and that he "cannot let people down".

Instead, he said he will return in a new role, heading up an Elon Musk-inspired "UK DOGE" team.

In a statement, he said: "Over the last 24 hours I have received a huge number of lovely and heartfelt messages from people who have expressed their dismay at my resignation, urging me to reconsider."

He added: "I know the mission is too important and I cannot let people down.

"So, I will be continuing my work with Reform, my commitment redoubled."

Mr Yusuf said he would be returning in a new role, seemingly focusing on cuts and efficiency within government.

He said he would "fight for taxpayers".

Only two days prior, Mr Yusuf dramatically handed in his resignation.

He claimed he no longer thought getting a Reform government elected was a "good use of my time" - but has now seemingly changed his mind.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the news of Mr Yusuf's return.

He said: "I am delighted that Zia Yusuf will head up Reform UK's DOGE department."

Read more:Why did Zia Yusuf resign as chairman of Reform UK?Reform's rise forces rethink for SNP'Farage could become PM'

Mr Yusuf's initial decision to quit came after he publicly distanced himself from the party's new MP, Sarah Pochin, when she asked Sir Keir Starmer about banning the burka at Prime Minister's Questions.

Reform said a ban was not party policy - and the chairman called it a "dumb" thing to ask.

👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈

What is DOGE?

DOGE is a meme-coin inspired creation of Musk's, standing for the Department of Government Efficiency.

It is the latest right-wing US import into British politics.

Before his public fallout with Donald Trump, the tech billionaire said his focus was saving taxpayers' money by locating wasteful spending within government and cutting it.

Read more: How Elon Musk's mission to cut government spending fell flat

However, opposition politicians questioned the impact of his efforts and how much he actually saved.

Musk initially had ambitions to slash government spending by $2trn (£1.5trn) - but this was dramatically reduced to $1trn (£750bn) and then to just $150bn (£111bn).