Reform's Zia Yusuf hits out at colleague Robert Jenrick over his answer on party's immigration policy during interview

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Mr Yusuf took to social media to criticise an interview Mr Jenrick had given over the weekend in which the former Conservative insisted that foreign nationals living in social housing would not be deported.

Hitting bach, Mr Yusuf said: "Robert’s answer is not Reform policy.

"As the person responsible for our deportation plan I want ensure people know where we stand: If a foreign national lives in social housing at taxpayer expense, they automatically fail our economic test and will be deported."

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In the interview, Mr Jenrick, who was appointed as Reform's "shadow chancellor" following his defection to the party earlier this year, said that living in social housing was "not exclusively" a reason to deport.

He told Sky News: "In some cases, because what we're saying is that we're going to abolish ILR [indefinite leave to remain visa status] and make a much longer path to British citizenship.

"Our policy [is] you will have to keep applying. If you’ve got a job and if you meet the criteria and you can work your way to being a British citizen."

But pressed on whether it's Reform policy to deport someone who is legally resident but lives in social housing, Mr Jenrick said: "Well not exclusively.

"If they fail to meet our criteria, because they're not in work, or they're not working in as many hours, not earning enough money, then they won't be able to renew their work visa, because ILR won't exist, and they'll be asked to leave."

But in response, Mr Yusuf hit back with his post on X gaining almost 3,000 likes in the first two hours.

The two men have clashed in the past when Mr Yusuf criticised Mr Jenrick’s record as immigration minister during Rishi Sunak's government.

The spat comes at a crucial time for the party as candidate Robert Kenyon prepares to battle Labour's Andy Burnham at the Makerfield by-election.

Mr Burnham is believed to be seeking to use the by-election as a springboard for a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader.

However, the first hurdle facing his ambitions will be the by-election, which will be held on June 18, for which a list of candidates now formed.

LBC has contacted Reform UK for comment.