Nigel Farage has been urged to intervene in escalating internal disputes within the Reform party, which an insider described as a "circus" following the suspension of a prominent member. The turmoil comes as Farage is on holiday.
The latest discord arose after Tim Montgomerie, a political commentator and former advisor to Boris Johnson, was suspended from the party. Montgomerie had criticized Zia Yusuf, Reform's home affairs spokesman, for his "intemperate" use of social media, stating that many party members were not on speaking terms with Yusuf. Montgomerie, formerly editor of the Conservative Home website, was removed from the party shortly after his remarks.
Sources within Reform offered conflicting views on the situation. Some characterized the suspension as mere "growing pains" for the party, while others sided with Montgomerie, warning that Yusuf was alienating colleagues. One senior insider told the Daily Mail that "all the MPs hate him, no one likes him," and suggested Yusuf was acting as "chief clown" in Farage's absence.
Another source indicated a division within the party, with a faction supporting Yusuf and another backing Montgomerie, placing Farage "in the middle of a party that is not a happy ship at the moment." This source suggested that a party with clear direction would not engage in such internal conflicts.
Zia Yusuf has been a controversial figure since becoming Reform's largest donor before the 2024 general election. He recently drew criticism for calling former defense secretary Ben Wallace a "traitor to Britain" and has previously accused other parties of using inflammatory language that endangers Reform politicians. Yusuf briefly resigned as Reform chairman in June 2025 over a call to ban burkas but was persuaded by Farage to return and take charge of party policy.
Reform sources indicated that the dispute between Yusuf and Montgomerie highlighted a broader debate about the party's strategy for the next election. While Yusuf is popular with the party's more hardline members, others worry his approach could alienate "Middle England" voters whom Farage needs to gain electoral traction.
One insider expressed concern that Yusuf was "pandering to the base, and that's not going to win us the next election," adding that Farage would "have to choose between Zia and Tim." This individual suggested that the party's core vote stood at 20-22 percent and that a focus on Middle England, rather than solely on existing supporters, could make Reform "incredibly competitive."
An ally of Yusuf defended his actions, stating that as an "anti-establishment party," it is necessary to oppose those in government. They characterized Yusuf's public statements as direct and unpretentious, contrasting him with Montgomerie, whom they dismissed as "nothing."
Montgomerie is reportedly scheduled to meet with party chairman Lee Anderson next week to discuss his appeal against his suspension.
