Internal conflicts and leadership tensions at Reform UK

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 6, 2026

Reform UK is facing internal conflicts involving senior members Zia Yusuf, Dan Jukes, and Lee Orr, with party leader Nigel Farage expressing frustration over Yusuf's controversial conduct and social media activity. These tensions risk overshadowing the party’s policy agenda as debates continue over the roles of key figures and the potential reintegration of Jukes, while an internal investigation clears some aides of wrongdoing.

Reform UK is experiencing internal tensions involving senior party figures, including Zia Yusuf, Dan Jukes, and Lee Orr, amid ongoing debates over leadership and messaging. Sources within the party describe Yusuf, who holds the unofficial title of “home affairs spokesman,” as a divisive figure. While popular among grassroots supporters, he is viewed by some colleagues and donors as a potential risk to party unity.

Party leader Nigel Farage has appeared increasingly weary of Yusuf’s conduct. During the party conference at the NEC last Friday, Farage notably referred to Yusuf as the party’s “home affairs spokesman,” declining to use Yusuf’s preferred title of “shadow home secretary.” The relationship between the two has been strained following controversial social media activity by Yusuf. Last month, Farage reportedly expressed his intention to reprimand Yusuf and ask him to remove a tweet that labeled former defence secretary Ben Wallace a “traitor.” However, the tweet remains on Yusuf’s account. Another tweet by Yusuf, calling attention to the Somali heritage of Sagal Abdi-Wali, a leading Labour candidate in the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election, also sparked internal frustration.

Several Reform councillors have voiced concerns that Yusuf’s actions are overshadowing party policy announcements. One councillor said the focus on internal disputes involving Yusuf and other figures such as Jukes and Orr detracts from the party’s agenda. Some insiders argue that Farage needs to take decisive action regarding Yusuf’s position within the party.

Despite these tensions, other party sources caution against overstating any rift between Farage and Yusuf. They suggest Farage’s criticism regarding the Wallace tweet was intended sarcastically and point to an ongoing internal investigation into the conduct of Jukes and Orr. Legal advice reportedly provided to the party indicates no laws were breached, and a key legal adviser is expected to make an announcement early this week that will likely clear the two aides.

Discussion about the potential return of Dan Jukes is underway. Some Reform affiliates expect Jukes to resume a role within the party in the medium term, while others speculate his involvement may be limited to an informal capacity, similar to donor George Cottrell’s relationship with the party. A source close to Jukes described him as loyal to Farage over 13 years and acknowledged that he accepted responsibility for previous missteps. Farage’s reaction to the situation was characterized as annoyance rather than anger.

The future of Lee Orr remains less certain. Reports circulated that Farage’s security personnel escorted Orr from the party’s conference hotel, though a Reform spokesperson denied this account. The spokesperson also emphasized that Orr’s apparent good spirits and his working-class background should be considered when interpreting his behavior.

Photographs from the conference showed Nigel Farage flanked by Richard Tice and Zia Yusuf at the conclusion of his address, underscoring the complexities and dynamics within Reform UK’s current leadership landscape.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.