Reform UK's Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Andrea Jenkyns has revealed she spoke with Zia Yusuf just days before his resignation as party chairman, telling GB News he was "excited about Doge" - the party's new initiative for local authorities.

"I was only speaking to Zia a few days ago, he was excited about Doge," Jenkyns said during an appearance on the channel, prompting presenter Patrick Christys to note this suggested Yusuf was enthusiastic about the future shortly before his departure.

The mayor defended Yusuf's tenure, saying: "Zia Yusuf was very good to me personally. I have never felt so supported as a candidate and I never felt that supported in the Conservative Party."

Yusuf announced his resignation earlier today, stating on X: "11 months ago I became Chairman of Reform. I've worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30 per cent, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results."

Jenkyns discussed Yusuf's departure

He added: "I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office."

The businessman had donated thousands to Reform during their General Election campaign and was appointed chairman in July. Many credited him with professionalising the party's operations as they secured millions of votes at last year's general election.

His resignation comes after he branded Reform MP Sarah Pochin "dumb" for asking for a ban on the burka during Prime Minister's Questions this week.

Pochin's question was dismissed by Keir Starmer but appeared to frustrate Yusuf.

Zia Yusuf was praised by Nigel FarageGETTY

There have also been reports he had been sidelined within the party. Rupert Lowe, former Reform MP, was strongly critical of Yusuf following the politician's suspension over allegations he had threatened violence towards the party chair.

Sources suggest tensions had been building before the Pochin incident, with Nigel Farage privately indicating Yusuf "has had enough" after working "100 hours a day" under significant pressure.

Jenkyns dismissed concerns about the resignation's impact on Reform, comparing it to Conservative Party turnover: "I was a Tory for a long time and how many party chairmans resigned? I've lost count."

She maintained that Yusuf would have kept any departure plans confidential, saying: "But he wouldn't tell me if he was leaving, he would only speak to Nigel.

He's got to maintain that professional presence which he has with myself from the beginning."

Potential replacements are already emerging, with Arron Banks telling GB News: "If Nigel wants me to do it, if he asked me, I'll do anything Nigel wants, within reason."

Nick Candy and Ann Widdecombe are also possible candidates for the role, GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope said.