Reform UK Department of Government Efficiency
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The Reform UK Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a group within Reform UK established in June 2025 with the intention of finding wasteful spending in local council budgets following the 2025 local elections.[1] Since 7 June 2025, it has been led by former party chairman, Zia Yusuf.[2]
History
[edit]The department was established by Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, and party chairman, Zia Yusuf, in June 2025 after the party gained control of a number of councils in the 2025 local elections. It was inspired by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency in US President Donald Trump's administration.[2]
The group was originally headed by tech entrepreneur Nathaniel Fried, however he resigned alongside then party chairman, Zia Yusuf, on 6 June 2025, less than a week after starting the role. Fried said that as Yusuf had appointed him and so it was "appropriate for me to leave with him".[3][4]
DOGE has so far focused on Kent County Council and Lancashire County Council with plans to extend this to West Northamptonshire Council.[3]
On 7 June 2025, Zia Yusuf announced he was returning to working with Reform UK, now as the new leader of its DOGE.[2]
Leaders
[edit]| Name | Portrait | Took office | Left office | Duration | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathaniel Fried | 4 June 2025 | 6 June 2025 | 3 days | Nigel Farage | |
| Zia Yusuf | 
|
7 June 2025 | Incumbent | 5 days |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Reform UK Kent council cost-cutting drive in doubt". BBC News. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Zia Yusuf returning to Reform UK two days after quitting". BBC News. 7 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Head of Reform UK's DOGE-style team quits | LocalGov". www.localgov.co.uk. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
- ^ "Kent County Council to be subject of Reform's first Reform to begin Musk-style audits of councils". BBC News. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.