Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has announced his defection to Reform UK.
Reasons for Defection
Zahawi stated the UK is at a "dark and dangerous" moment requiring a "glorious revolution." He cited several issues for his decision to join Nigel Farage's party:
- Problems with free speech.
- An "over-powerful" civil service and quangos, which he said began under Labour and continued under Conservative governments.
- Major failures regarding mass migration.
- "Bad, virtue-signalling legislation" that has reduced competitiveness and prosperity.
Zahawi acknowledged his own share of blame for "constitutional vandalism" and the failure to "take back control over the entrenched, unelected bureaucracy."
Party Reactions and Statements
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, stated that Zahawi's defection does not mean Reform is becoming "Conservatives 2.0." He also mentioned that numerous current Conservative MPs are inquiring about joining Reform UK.
A Conservative spokesman criticized Reform UK, calling it "the party of has-been politicians looking for their next gravy train." The spokesman referenced Zahawi's past statement where he said he would be "frightened to live in a country" run by Farage. In response, Zahawi described the Conservative brand as "defunct."
Farage predicted that the Conservative Party "will cease to be a national political party" after upcoming May elections.
Labour Party chair Anna Turley characterized Zahawi as a "discredited and disgraced politician." Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella suggested Reform is becoming a "retirement home for disgraced former Conservative ministers."
Zahawi's Background and Past Controversies
Zahawi served as Chancellor for two months under Boris Johnson, and held roles as Education Secretary, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and chairman of the Conservative Party. He was dismissed from his role as party chairman in January 2023 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after an independent ethics adviser found he had breached ministerial rules by not disclosing that his tax affairs were under investigation.
Regarding his previous dismissal, Zahawi stated his mistake was not being specific about his declarations to the Cabinet Office. He maintained that politicians should be held to a high level of accountability and that this past issue should not prevent him from acting for his country.
When questioned about allegations of racism against Nigel Farage, Zahawi responded, "If I thought the man sitting next to me had in any way a problem with people of my colour… I wouldn't be sitting next to him."
Born in Iraq in 1967, Zahawi and his parents fled the country, and he grew up in the UK. He previously oversaw the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine program as vaccines minister.