Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is gaining momentum, with recent polls suggesting the party could be within striking distance of securing enough votes to propel Farage into Downing Street.
According to Zia Yusuf, a key strategist and millionaire entrepreneur, Reform UK could win a narrow majority with just 31% of the vote.
The latest Politico poll of polls places the party in first place with 27% support, and Yusuf believes that if Reform can surpass 35%, it could secure between 350 and 400 seats in Westminster. This would mark a seismic shift in British politics, challenging the dominance of the Conservative and Labour parties.
Yusuf, who chairs Reform UK, is confident that the party’s message resonates with a public disillusioned with the status quo. He argues that Labour’s inability to address critical issues like illegal migration will further fuel Reform’s rise.
“Our view is it’s actually a very quick and simple problem to solve if you have the political will,” Yusuf says, outlining a hardline approach that includes leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, deporting illegal migrants, and ending taxpayer-funded accommodations for asylum seekers. He believes Labour’s reluctance to adopt such measures will leave the door open for Reform to capitalize on public frustration.
Born to Sri Lankan immigrants who worked in the NHS, Yusuf’s journey from a self-made millionaire to a political strategist is a testament to his belief in Britain’s potential. He describes his involvement with Reform UK as a mission to restore the country to greatness, citing the economy’s current struggles as a call to action. “This country has been incredibly kind to me, to my family,” he says, explaining his decision to volunteer his time and resources to the party.
Reform UK’s growing popularity is evident in its membership, which now exceeds 218,000, and the enthusiastic atmosphere at its rallies, which Yusuf compares to “rock concerts.” However, the party faces challenges, including maintaining its culture and values as it attracts defectors from other parties. Yusuf emphasizes the importance of vetting new members to ensure they align with Reform’s principles. “We’re very precious about the culture of the party,” he says, adding that the party has set up a dedicated team to handle defections.
Farage’s close ties to former U.S. President Donald Trump have drawn both criticism and curiosity, but Yusuf sees the relationship as an asset. “Having good relationships with incredibly powerful world leaders is an advantage for the United Kingdom,” he argues, drawing parallels between Trump’s “America First” agenda and Reform’s commitment to putting British interests at the forefront of policy decisions.
On the international stage, Yusuf is adamant that Reform UK is not soft on Russia, despite Farage’s past comments on NATO and Ukraine. “Nigel has been extremely clear Vladimir Putin is an evil dictator who must be stopped,” he says, advocating for increased military investment to restore Britain’s global standing. He also criticizes Labour’s net zero policies, arguing that they hinder economic growth, and calls for a focus on small nuclear reactors to drive down energy costs and boost the economy.
Yusuf’s vision for Britain is ambitious: a top-three global economy with annual growth of 4-5%. He believes this can be achieved by prioritizing policies that promote the flourishing of the British people, rather than adhering to what he sees as harmful ideologies. As Reform UK continues to rise in the polls, the party faces the dual challenge of convincing voters it can govern while maintaining its grassroots appeal. If successful, it could mark one of the most dramatic political upheavals in modern British history.
