Richard Tice has said that Zia Yusuf was wrong to oppose the burka ban, but expressed that he was "enormously sad" about his resignation as Reform's chairman.
The Reform deputy leader told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Yusuf had "worked incredibly hard" and helped secure hundreds of council seats in last month's local elections. He confirmed sending a message of thanks to the departing chairman.
However, Tice disagreed with Yusuf's opposition to a burka ban, stating: "I think it is right that we should have a debate about whether or not the burka is appropriate in a nation that's founded in Christianity."
He described the Islamic veil as "a repressive item of clothing" and supported implementing a ban.
Richard Tice has said that Zia Yusuf was wrong to oppose the burka ban
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Yusuf's resignation on Thursday followed his public criticism of Reform MP Sarah Pochin's House of Commons question about banning the burka.
He had posted on X that morning, calling it "dumb for a party to ask the PM if they would do something the party itself wouldn't do."
The comment referred to Pochin's challenge to Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday during Prime Minister's Question Time.
A burka ban is not official Reform policy.
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Yusuf resigned, stating he no longer believed working with Nigel Farage to win the next election was 'a good use of my time'
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By Thursday evening, Yusuf had resigned, stating he no longer believed working with Nigel Farage to win the next election was "a good use of my time."
Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister opposes a ban.
A spokesman said: "This Government does not believe in mandating what people should or shouldn't wear in public."
Tice argued that Britain should have "a calm and respectful debate" about the issue, emphasising concerns about whether women have a genuine choice in wearing such garments.
The comment referred to Pochin's challenge to Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday during Prime Minister's Question Time
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Face-covering clothing is currently prohibited in seven European nations, including France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with additional countries implementing partial restrictions.
The resignation marks further turbulence for Reform following Rupert Lowe's removal in March after criticising Farage's leadership.
Yusuf had previously clashed with Lowe, alleging verbal threats of violence, though Scotland Yard later cleared Lowe of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Reform claimed Labour and the SNP were in a "coalition of the terrified" after securing 26 per cent in Thursday's Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, coming within 1,500 votes of victory.
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