A Cabinet minister has accused Zia Yusuf of “pretty straightforward racism” over comments he made about the frontrunner to replace Sir Keir Starmer in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election.

Reform’s home affairs spokesman was criticised for a tweet about Sagal Abdi-Wali, a former child refugee from Somalia and the leader of Camden council.

She has been tipped as the favourite contender to stand for Labour in the London by-election triggered by the former prime minister’s resignation as an MP.

Mr Yusuf wrote on X last week: “The front runner being foisted on the people of Holborn by Labour to replace the former Prime Minister Keir Starmer in our Parliament was born in Somalia.

“Do you understand what’s happening?”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds was asked on Sunday what he made of the Reform politician’s tweet.

He told Sky News: “Pretty straightforward racism, isn’t it?”

Mr Reynolds added that the potential Labour candidate had “spent decades in this country” and made a “huge contribution to her local community”.

Reform politicians have also widely condemned the “nasty” tweet.

Laila Cunningham, the party’s candidate for Mayor of London and the daughter of immigrants from Egypt, told the Standard: “I don't know what he meant by that comment. I read it a few times.

“I didn't understand what he meant by that comment. Of course, you know, that woman is British. She's the leader of Camden council. I didn't understand what he meant by that.”

Former Tory cabinet minister Nadine Dorries, who defected to Reform UK last year, branded Mr Yusuf’s remarks “nasty”.

She told Times Radio: “It was a nasty tweet. Zia Yousuf is a brilliant man, and he's a genius actually, and he's an incredible communicator.

“I wish he closed down his Twitter account.”

Robert Jenrick, Reform’s economic spokesman, denied his colleague’s comments were racist and suggested it was legitimate to question the loyalties of foreign-born candidates.

“I don’t know this person, so I’m not here to cast aspersions upon her, but I do want people to sit in our Parliament who are entirely committed to our country,” Mr Jenrick said.

“Maybe she is someone who is entirely patriotic and supportive of this country. I would just say, and this is the point I think Zia was making, that is not everyone sadly in our current House of Commons…

“I want people who are solely interested in putting the interests of our country first.”

He continued: “It’s not about whether she’s from Somalia or the United States or wherever.

“I’m saying that if you weren’t born in this country and you stand for Parliament, it’s a legitimate question to ask: Where are your loyalties? Are you going to put the interests of Britain first?”