In a seismic blow to the Conservative Party, former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has crossed the floor to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK, becoming the most senior Tory figure to do so.
The defection was announced at a press conference in London on Monday, 12th January 2026, where Zahawi stood alongside Reform leader Nigel Farage. The former vaccines minister declared the Conservative Party a "defunct brand" incapable of forming the next government and stated the UK "really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister."
A High-Profile Defection and a 'Last Chance Saloon'
Zahawi, who served under the last four Conservative prime ministers and was chancellor for two months under Boris Johnson, is the 20th former Conservative MP to defect to Reform since March 2024. He argued the country was "drinking at the last chance saloon" and required a radical political change.
His move is seen as a significant coup for Reform, which has sought to shake off its image as a single-issue party. Nigel Farage welcomed the defection, stating it helped dispel the notion that Reform UK is a "one-man band."
Claims, Counter-Claims, and Past Criticisms
The defection was immediately mired in controversy. A Conservative source told Sky News that Zahawi, who stood down as an MP in 2024, had repeatedly asked for a peerage, including in recent months, but was told it was "never going to happen." He was sacked as Tory party chairman by Rishi Sunak in 2023 over a failure to declare an HMRC investigation into his tax affairs, which concluded with Zahawi paying a penalty nearing £5 million.
Zahawi vehemently denied asking for a peerage, claiming he had a message "from the top" about being offered one and that Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's team had sought his advice. He also faced questions over his past fierce criticism of Farage. In a now-deleted tweet, Zahawi had once called Farage's comments "offensive and racist" and said he would be "frightened" to live in a country run by him.
At the press conference, Zahawi dismissed these past remarks, insisting he did not believe Farage was racist and would not be sitting beside him if he did.
Political Fallout and Party Reactions
The reaction from other parties was swift and scathing. The Conservatives issued a statement labelling Zahawi's move as the action of a "has-been politician looking for their next gravy train." A spokesman added, "Their latest recruit used to say he'd be 'frightened to live in a country' run by Nigel Farage, which shows the level of loyalty for sale."
The Liberal Democrat MP for Zahawi's old seat of Stratford-upon-Avon, Manuela Perteghella, said "Reform is becoming a retirement home for disgraced former Conservative ministers." Labour Party chair Anna Turley also attacked the move, stating Reform had "no shame" in accepting a "discredited and disgraced politician."
Zahawi becomes the most senior defector to date, surpassing sitting MP Danny Kruger. He insisted he received "no promises at all" about a future role in Reform but did not rule out becoming a Reform MP or peer.
