A former prominent Conservative member who once compared Nigel Farage to a key figure in Hitler’s regime has been revealed as the latest defector to Reform from the Conservative party.
Nadhim Zahawi, a wealthy individual who was dismissed from his government position due to undisclosed tax investigations, has previously expressed apprehension about living in a nation led by Mr. Farage. Following his switch to Reform, the Conservatives alleged that Zahawi had repeatedly sought a peerage from his former party but was denied each time.
He joins a growing list of Conservative figures defecting to Reform, which currently leads in the polls. His move has prompted assertions that Farage’s party is becoming a “retirement destination for disgraced ex-Conservative ministers.”
In response, the Conservatives criticized Reform as a party attracting politicians seeking personal gain, highlighting Zahawi’s past statements about Farage to underscore the perceived lack of loyalty.
Paul Nowak, the General Secretary of TUC, remarked to The Mirror, stating that Zahawi’s defection to Reform is not surprising, portraying Reform as favoring the wealthy over working-class citizens.
Zahawi, who garnered £1.3 million from his involvement with Gulf Keystone Petroleum while serving as an MP, was ousted as Conservative chairman in 2023 for breaching the ministerial code concerning his tax affairs. He admitted to paying a substantial penalty to HMRC to settle the issue. During his 14-year tenure as an MP, he faced scrutiny for claiming expenses related to heating stables on his Warwickshire property.
In 2023, the BBC estimated his wealth to be as high as £100 million, attributing his fortune to various business ventures, including a company that marketed Teletubbies merchandise.
A Tory insider revealed that Zahawi’s request for a peerage was denied due to his tax scandal, indicating a lack of expectations for such recognition. The source characterized Reform as a refuge for tainted politicians.
Both Zahawi and Farage have a history of exchanging critical remarks. Zahawi once condemned Farage’s discriminatory policy suggestions, likening them to propaganda tactics used during the Nazi era. Additionally, Zahawi accused Farage of racism and offensive behavior, sentiments echoed in a resurfaced social media post.
Despite past tensions, Zahawi downplayed the historical confrontations with Farage, emphasizing the tweet’s antiquity. In turn, Farage criticized Zahawi for prioritizing personal ambition over principles.
Zahawi briefly held the position of Chancellor in 2022 under Boris Johnson’s administration. He also served as the vaccine minister during the Covid crisis, advocating for Farage as a potential Prime Minister.
Addressing concerns about Reform’s association with controversial statements, Zahawi defended the party’s decisions during a press conference, emphasizing the success of national vaccination efforts.
Critics, including Labour Party representatives and Liberal Democrat MPs, have portrayed Zahawi’s move to Reform as a reflection of the party’s acceptance of tarnished Conservative figures. They view Zahawi’s alignment with Farage as a continuation of his career trajectory under different leadership.