Reform UK has suspended prominent supporter Tim Montgomerie as a party member following his critical remarks about party figures Zia Yusuf and Nigel Farage. The suspension was confirmed prior to the publication of a podcast episode where Montgomerie, a political commentator, continued his recent criticism of Yusuf, Reform's home affairs spokesman.
Montgomerie stated that Yusuf "cannot behave like a child in politics" and revealed that Yusuf had not spoken to him for three months after discovering Montgomerie's involvement in former Tory minister Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. Montgomerie also agreed with recent reports suggesting that Reform leader Nigel Farage has "fallen out of love" with Yusuf.
These comments follow Montgomerie's previous rebuke of Yusuf's "intermperate" social media use and his criticism of Farage for skipping the formal declaration of the Clacton by-election result, where Farage was re-elected. The suspension reportedly occurred after the podcast recording but before its online release.
Montgomerie, founder and former editor of the ConservativeHome website, joined Reform in December 2024 after a period as an adviser to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He told the podcast that many people are not speaking to Yusuf, and that it is "nearly always Zia who initiates it." He added, "It needs to end. You cannot behave like a child in politics. You cannot have litmus tests, so many litmus tests where you stop talking to people."
Despite his criticisms, Montgomerie also acknowledged Yusuf's behind-the-scenes work in organizing the party, stating, "I genuinely pay tribute to Zia... he made the party organisation work. He has so many qualities, but he has to be a team player."
The internal friction comes after Yusuf engaged in a public dispute last week, branding former Tory defense secretary Ben Wallace a "traitor to Britain." Farage publicly stated he would "give him a ticking off" for the remarks. Montgomerie noted that Yusuf did not retract the tweet despite Farage's criticism, questioning his team-playing abilities. He suggested Yusuf has "consistently freelanced on Twitter" regarding the acceptance of Conservative candidates, attempting to undermine party policy.
Montgomerie also referenced a Mail on Sunday report indicating that allies are urging Farage to dismiss Yusuf to "reboot" Reform. A source reportedly told the newspaper, "Nigel has fallen out of love with Zia, who is out of control. I think his days are numbered." Montgomerie commented, "I think that's true. I think Nigel will definitely want to keep him in the camp but I think he needs him to basically be a team player and be loyal to what Nigel wants."
Previously, Montgomerie had questioned Farage's decision not to attend the formal declaration of the Clacton by-election result. Reform had claimed police advised Farage to stay away due to a "credible threat," but Essex Police denied advising any candidates against attending. Last month, Montgomerie also stated Farage "cannot hide away" from questions regarding a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire.