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Nadhim Zahawi, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, has recently switched allegiance from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, marking a significant defection from the Tories. This decision comes after his attempts to secure a peerage were reportedly declined by Conservative leadership. Zahawi expressed deep concern about the current state of the United Kingdom, describing it as facing a “dark and dangerous” period and calling for what he termed a “glorious revolution” under Nigel Farage’s leadership.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake suggested that Zahawi’s defection was influenced by his unsuccessful bids for a seat in the House of Lords. According to Hollinrake, Zahawi made several appeals to party leader Kemi Badenoch for a peerage nomination but was ultimately turned down due to unresolved issues related to his past tax affairs. Badenoch’s office reportedly wanted to ensure that elevations to the Lords involved individuals with appropriate records and contribution. Zahawi’s prior dismissal from a party role amid tax-related controversies factored heavily into the decision against his nomination.
During the announcement of his defection at a press conference held by Nigel Farage, Zahawi outlined his frustration with the current political and economic climate in Britain. He characterized the nation as “broken,” citing stagnation in growth, rising crime, and an “avalanche of illegal migration” as problems requiring urgent attention. Zahawi stated his belief that the Reform UK team is best positioned to address these challenges, which motivated his decision to join the party. When questioned, he was critical of Badenoch and the Conservative Party brand, implying they no longer represented a viable future for the nation.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sought to clarify that Zahawi’s joining did not signal that Reform was merely a reincarnation of the Conservative Party, noting that several current Conservative MPs have also inquired about switching but were not accepted. Zahawi’s political career has seen him occupy high-profile roles including education secretary and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. His resignation from Conservative Party chairman followed an ethics investigation into his failure to disclose an ongoing HMRC tax inquiry. Zahawi defended himself by acknowledging the lack of clarity in his official declarations but insisted that accountability for politicians should be high while maintaining his commitment to serve the country. Amid criticism from Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs labeling him as disgraced, Zahawi’s move to Reform UK continues to fuel debates about the future direction of British politics
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