Reform UK Appoints David Bull as Chairman After Burqa Row

Nigel Farage's Reform UK has appointed David Bull, a former doctor and television presenter on Rupert Murdoch's TalkTV, as its new chairman following the abrupt resignation and subsequent return of former chairman Zia Yusuf. Yusuf quit after a disagreement over a proposed ban on the burqa but rejoined the party in a different role focused on cutting public spending. Bull, who previously served as Reform UK's deputy leader, is tasked with providing leadership to help end internal party conflicts and transform Reform UK into a viable electoral force as the party leads in polls ahead of Labour and the Conservatives. Despite recent internal disputes, including the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe over bullying allegations, Farage has expressed forgiveness toward Yusuf and downplayed the party's divisions. Reform UK continues to push policies advocating for reduced immigration and abandoning climate change measures, while also facing challenges related to promised political donations. Farage praised Bull's appointment as bringing "terrific verve, energy, enthusiasm," and emphasized that Bull's focus would be on leadership rather than administrative or technical tasks.