Reform’s Zia Yusuf accused of ‘straightforward racism’ over comments on Somali-born Labour council leader
Jonathan Reynolds called the remarks “pretty straightforward racism,” while Robert Jenrick said it is legitimate to question foreign-born candidates’ loyalties.
- Reform politician Zia Yusuf faced backlash after questioning the British identity of Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, the Labour front-runner for the Holborn by-election.
- Yusuf wrote on Twitter last week that Abdi-Wali, who was born in Somalia, was being "foisted" on voters to replace former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Parliament.
- Former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries and Reform London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham branded Yusuf's remark "nasty," with Cunningham suggesting "someone needs to take his phone off him."
- Appearing on Sky News's Sunday Morning, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds accused Yusuf of "pretty straightforward racism," noting Abdi-Wali has "spent decades in this country" and contributed to her community.
- Jenrick defended Yusuf, arguing that asking where MPs' loyalties lie if they were not born in the country is a "legitimate question" for those in Parliament.
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Reform UK's Zia Yusuf pulls up the ladder on Britain's immigrants
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf pulls up the ladder on Britain's immigrants Submitted by Soumaya Ghannoushi on Mon, 09/07/2026 - 18:51 In attacking Somali-born Camden Council leader Sagal Abdi-Wali, Reform UK is once again using the children of immigrants to sell its prejudice Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, right, and Zia Yusuf, left, now the party's shadow home secretary, pose after a press conference in London, on 3 August 2026 (Toby Shepheard/AFP)…
'Straight-Up Racism': Minister Slams Zia Yusuf Over Attack On Labour Council Leader
Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf delivers a speech during Reform UK's annual conference at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, United Kingdom, on September 4, 2026.Zia Yusuf was accused of “straight-up racism” by a Labour cabinet minister over the Reform politician’s criticism of a Somali-born council leader.Sagal Abdi-Wali is among those in the running to stand for the party in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election triggered…
The Independent
The Independent (US)Reform’s Zia Yusuf accused of ‘straightforward racism’
Zia Yusuf made the comments about Labour by-election hopeful Sagal Abdi-Wali on social media last week
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