Reform UK’s deputy leader criticised for ‘shocking’ tweet
IN the United States, The Washington Post carried an article titled “Scotland leader Humza Yousaf resigns in latest setback for independence”.
It pointed out that he was facing two no-confidence votes in the Scottish Parliament and added that the “dream” of independence “seems as out of reach as ever”.
In terms of why he was forced to resign, the article also pointed to the Scottish Government’s rollback on climate commitments and the decision to pause access to puberty blockers for those under 18.
REFORM UK’s deputy leader has been called out for a “shocking” tweet about Humza Yousaf.
Former MEP Ben Habib – who came a distant third in February’s Wellingborough by-election, won by Labour’s Gen Kitchen – wrote on X/Twitter, “Delighted to see @SadiqKhan has resigned” in response to a story reporting on the news of Yousaf’s resignation.
One user asked “don’t you mean Humza Yousaf Ben” to which Habib replied “same difference”, adding a winking face emoji.
A number of people criticised Habib for his comments, including author Otto English who said: “This shocking exchange should be the end of Ben Habib’s political career. If Richard Tice were a real leader he’d take action.”
Another user accused Habib of being “openly racist”.
Meanwhile, one user said “let’s assume Ben Habib wasn’t drunk on Twitter against Reform Party guidance” in reference to comments made by party leader Tice at the start of April. He had warned candidates not to use social media after drinking alcohol, to avoid posting “inappropriate” comments.
The party has already been forced to ditch seven candidates for the upcoming election following complaints about their social media.
“We’re very clear to all our candidates, for heaven’s sake if you’re going to have a glass on a Friday night then don’t use social media,” Tice said.
“If it is inappropriate, if it is unacceptable, then we’re going to part company.”
Reform have stuck by Habib, accusing critics of “pearl-clutching nonsense” and claiming they are playing “the racism card”.
A party spokesperson said: “Ben Habib, born in Pakistan to a Pakistani father and English mother, is not really going to be racist now is he?
“He will however point out that Mr Khan and Mr Yousaf are similar failures in their roles.
“Same difference? He has a very good point.”