Nadhim Zahawi

Nadhim Zahawi is a former Conservative MP and Chancellor of the Exchequer. He is now newsworthy due to his recent defection to Reform UK, announced by Nigel Farage. This makes him the most senior former Conservative to join the party. His defection is significant because it highlights the growing appeal of Reform UK to disaffected Conservatives and underscores potential divisions within the Tory party. Zahawi's stated motivations for joining Reform include concerns about high taxes and what he perceives as a decline in the UK. His arrival has also brought scrutiny to Reform UK's policies, particularly regarding vaccine skepticism, as reporters questioned him about views expressed at the party's conference. His defection is seen as a significant event, potentially influencing other Conservative members and contributing to the ongoing shift in the UK's political landscape.