British Tech Millionaire Zia Yusuf Champions Government Efficiency

A new initiative led by British tech entrepreneur Zia Yusuf aims to reshape government efficiency in the United Kingdom. As head of the recently established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the populist party Reform UK, Yusuf is tackling public spending and local council operations. Despite facing initial challenges, including leadership turmoil and limited access to data from local authorities, Yusuf views DOGE as a critical platform to demonstrate the party’s potential ahead of the next general election, anticipated in May 2029.

Reform UK launched DOGE in May 2023, shortly after the party’s significant gains in local elections. The unit consists of a team of twelve software engineers, data analysts, and accountants. Their focus is on utilizing artificial intelligence to identify savings in public spending, particularly in areas deemed inefficient. Yusuf criticizes what he refers to as a “gravy train” of unnecessary expenditures, including funds allocated for management consultants and transport for schoolchildren.

In a recent interview with POLITICO, Yusuf stated, “I could be doing a lot of other things, but it’s also very satisfying because we are making a big difference.” His commitment to reform stems from a belief that the current state of government inefficiency is unsustainable. He argues that urgent action is necessary, warning that without substantial changes, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be forced to intervene.

Yusuf’s political journey is notable; he transitioned from a supporter of the Conservative Party to Reform UK in 2024. His arrival at the party coincided with an effort to broaden its appeal and influence. The former investment banker became a multimillionaire after selling his concierge app, Velocity Black, to Capital One for £233 million in 2023.

Despite his admiration for Elon Musk as a businessman, Yusuf insists that the political and economic contexts of the UK differ significantly from those in the United States. He emphasizes that DOGE was named for its simplicity, not as an endorsement of Musk’s policies. “Britain’s a very different country to the U.S. in lots of different ways… so we’re doing our own thing here,” he explained.

The team at DOGE has already begun its work in two of the ten councils won by Reform UK in May’s local elections, with plans to expand to additional councils soon. Yusuf believes that by closely examining local government operations, DOGE can inform national policy and facilitate a swift implementation of reforms if the party secures power.

Yusuf’s approach aligns with some perspectives within the ruling Labour Party, particularly regarding the challenges posed by an oversized civil service and rising social security expenditures. He argues that aggressive adoption of technology is essential for addressing these issues. Yusuf claims that artificial intelligence could replace as much as 90 percent of white-collar jobs within the next decade, asserting that this advancement will lead to “enormous societal change.”

He cautions that if the UK does not engage with AI development, it risks falling behind on the global stage. “We need to wake up very quickly,” he warns, stating that the current crop of MPs lacks an understanding of the technology’s implications for the nation’s future.

As DOGE progresses, Zia Yusuf remains focused on his vision for a more efficient government. With his plans set for the future, he continues to advocate for reforms that he believes are crucial to the UK’s stability and growth. His ambitions not only reflect his personal journey but also signal a potentially transformative shift in the political landscape as the next general election approaches.