Ex-Conservative activist Tim Montgomerie has quit Reform UK and suggested Zia Yusuf is plotting against Nigel Farage.
Mr Montgomerie appeared on Chopper’s Political Podcast just hours after sitting down with Reform UK chairman Lee Anderson to discuss his suspension.
The 56-year-old, who was considered a major scalp for Reform when he defected two years ago, was suspended on August 18.
Speaking to GB News about his decision to part ways with Reform UK, Mr Montgomerie said: “I think if I had gone back, I wouldn’t have really changed my modus operandi, and I could have been thrown out.
“So I think it’s best for both of us that I stay friendly, hopefully despite this interview, but no longer be a party member.”
When asked if he still intends to vote for Reform UK at the next general election, Mr Montgomerie replied: “That’s my intention.”
Mr Montgomerie, who was suspended after making a series of comments about Zia Yusuf, claimed he is no longer convinced Mr Farage will definitely lead Reform UK into the next general election.
“I think a lot of things are happening behind the scenes,” Mr Montgomerie told GB News.
Mr Farage, who admitted family members had urged him to leave frontline politics earlier this summer, told GB News he had not considered throwing in the towel.
The Reform UK leader, who stepped down as Ukip leader on three different occasions, instead insisted he would lead the party into the next general election.
Mr Montgomerie suggested the Clacton MP should adopt a different strategy amid a slump in the opinion polls.
He said: “I want Nigel to go back to the vision I thought he had two years ago.
“But what seems to be happening, particularly around Yusuf and other people, is the party is reverting to its comfort zone.”
“Nigel needs to say, ‘Enough is enough. I’m in charge, and that’s the way it’s going to be’.”
Mr Farage publicly rebuked Mr Yusuf over his comments about ex-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last month.
However, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman went on to spark further fury after blasting Labour for shortlisting a Somali-born refugee to stand in the upcoming Holborn & St Pancras by-election.
Speaking to GB News earlier today, Mr Montgomerie also warned that factions have now emerged inside the party.
He feared there was a growing split between those hoping to appeal to Middle England and those worried about the threat from Restore Britain.
The 56-year-old, who ruled out rejoining the Tories and opened the door to eventually returning to Reform UK, doubled down in his criticisms of Mr Yusuf.
He said: “Zia is an embodiment of it, but there are plenty of other people in Reform who also, I think, want Reform to be more like some of the continental right-wing populist parties.”
Mr Montgomerie used his appearance on GB News to warn Mr Farage that Mr Yusuf could be plotting his own leadership bid.
“As a member of Nigel’s Shadow Cabinet, he should be controlled more by Nigel,” Mr Montgomerie said.
“I think he freelances too much on policy, he’s undermined party policies. I don’t know how he gets away with it.”
He added: “And I just do not know why Zia carries on like this, unless his primary aim is to be party leader and curry favour with the Reform vote rather than help Nigel Farage become Prime Minister.
“I don’t understand his actions if his primary motivation is to win the next election.”
However, a Reform UK source dismissed speculation about a plot to succeed Mr Farage.
“If Nigel goes, we’re scuppered,” the party insider told GB News. “Plotting against him is stupid, treacherous, or both.”
Mr Yusuf’s first involvement with Reform UK came in 2024, when he donated £200,000 to the party.
The 39-year-old, who exclusively spoke to GB News ahead of Reform UK’s party conference in Birmingham last week, later became chairman.
However, a turbulent 48 hours in June 2025 saw him resign from the role before returning to Reform amid a bust-up over the burka.
Responding to Mr Montgomerie’s comments, Mr Yusuf told GB News: “Clearly Tim disagrees with me on many things. Neverthless, I wish him the very best.”
A Reform UK spokesman added: “We wish Tim the best for the future and thank him for his support.”
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