Minister condemns Zia Yusuf post about Camden council leader as racism
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and senior Reform UK figures criticised a post interpreted as questioning Sagal Abdi-Wali’s British identity.
Reform UK home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf has faced criticism over a post about Sagal Abdi-Wali, Camden’s council leader and a former child refugee from Somalia.
The post was interpreted as questioning whether Abdi-Wali was British. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described it on Sky News as “pretty straightforward racism” and confirmed it was “plain racism” when asked by presenter Jon Sopel.
Senior Reform figures also criticised or distanced themselves from the post. Nadine Dorries called it “nasty”, while London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham said she did not understand Yusuf’s meaning and noted that Abdi-Wali was British and led Camden council.
Abdi-Wali arrived in Camden as a child refugee and has lived there for 35 years. She was first elected as a councillor in 2022 and became council leader in May. Labour says she has worked with local charities and schools.
Labour is considering Abdi-Wali as a potential candidate for the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, but had not formally selected her. The party was expected to announce its candidate by Wednesday and faces a contest with the Greens.
The Guardian reported that Reform UK had been contacted for comment.
