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.'"
PA / GB News
|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."
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GETTY | 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."
GB News
|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."