Politics · 12 January 2026
Former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi joins Reform UK
Chris McAndrew via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defected to Reform UK in a press conference on Monday, saying Britain needs Nigel Farage as Prime Minister. The former MP, who served as Chancellor for two months under Boris Johnson and led the government's vaccine programme, said Britain was drinking at the last chance saloon and at a dark and dangerous moment. Zahawi announced his move alongside Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in central London, becoming the most senior former Conservative to join the party. He cited concerns about free speech, taxes, and the current government's direction as reasons for switching parties.
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