A Reform UK councillor has downplayed Zia Yusuf's departure from the party, insisting the exit was not the result of significant conflict.

The ex-Reform UK Chairman sensationally quit on Thursday, claiming that working with the party is "no longer a good use of my time".

Reacting to the exit on GB News, party leader Nigel Farage claimed he was given just a "10-minute warning" before Yusuf quit.

He said: "I spoke to him yesterday morning and I felt 'yeah he's really had enough of all of this.'"

Reform UK Councillor Jaymey McIvor has reflected on the 'unfortunate' situation for Reform following Yusuf's exit

Reacting to the departure, Councillor Jaymey McIvor told GB News: "Firstly, I don't think it's a big fallout. I'll be really honest here. I don't think it's a big fallout at all.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank Zia for everything he's done for our party, I think his record speaks for itself and I speak as a councillor in the party, I speak as a member."

McIvor highlighted Yusuf's significant impact on the party's development: "His impact on the party, the professionalisation of the party has been extraordinary, and I'd like to thank them for that."

The councillor rejected suggestions of internal discord, saying: "In terms of the fallout, I don't recognise it. People do leave organisations and every Thursday's polling day at the moment."

Yusuf claimed that working to get a Reform Government elected is 'not a good use of my time'

He pointed to the party's electoral performance as evidence of its strength.

He told GB News: "Reform are doing exceptionally well in by-elections, and there's lots of exciting results to look forward to outside of Scotland.

"The fact that we're talking about Reform, I actually sat and spoke to your viewers on election night and said, I think Reform will get 200 seats, we then got 677."

Acknowledging the "unfortunate situation" for Reform, McIvor stated: "I think what's happened, it's a really unfortunate situation. But the Reform Party is an enormous party full of talent."

Councillor McIvor claimed the fallout 'wasn't big' between Farage and Yusuf

Pressed on whether he would welcome ex-MP Rupert Lowe back into the party, McIvor cited Nigel Farage's blunt response to the same question on GB News, where he claimed he would "rather eat razor blades".

McIvor concluded: "It is absolutely not my call, but I would not recommend Nigel has any razors in his mouth.

"Simply because we need that man's tongue and voice, and because he's our best asset."