Bitter Reform row erupts as Nigel Farage savagely ousts his deputy

A BITTER row broke out in the Reform party today after chief Nigel Farage savagely ousted his deputy.  

A reshuffle saw Mr Farage’s long-time supporter Ben Habib replaced by MP for Boston and Skegness, Richard Tice.

PA

Nigel Farage sparked a bitter row in his party today after he replaced his deputy leader with Richard Tice (right)[/caption]

Getty

Mr Farage’s long-time supporter was ousted as Deputy Tory Leader today[/caption]

Reuters

The move made room for millionaire Zia Yusuf to be named the new chairman of Reform UK[/caption]

On X a furious Mr Habib blasted: “I am considering my position more generally in light of this change.”

He added: “I have long held concerns about the control of the party and the decision making processes.

“I will reflect on all of this.

“The key for me is that Reform UK stays true to the promises made to the British people.”

The move made room for British Muslim entrepreneur Zia Yusuf to be appointed party chairman.

The millionaire “rising star”, who is one of Reform’s biggest donors but not an MP, claimed it was an “honour” to take up the position.

He said: “I will bring all my expertise, energy and passion to the role to ensure we achieve our mission of returning Great Britain to greatness.”

Mr Farage yesterday claimed the brutal reshuffle was part of a process to “professionalise the party and change politics for good”.

The maverick MP for Clacton said: “These appointments are the first step to ensure that Reform UK is fit and ready to take forward its positive message.”

Commenting on the reshuffle, Reform chief whip and former Tory defector Lee Anderson said: “Using my experience of the twists and turns of Parliamentary life and procedure to ensure that our team is focussed and delivers for our constituency and the more than 4 million voters will be a great honour and pleasure.

“The fox is in the henhouse”.