The defection of former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi to Reform UK has sparked a decidedly mixed reaction within Nigel Farage's party, with some insiders privately expressing concern it could be seen as 'naked opportunism'.
Internal Unease Over High-Profile Recruit
Speaking to Sky News, sources within Reform revealed worries that Mr Zahawi's move, announced at a news conference on Monday 13 January 2026, risks making the party look like a refuge for former Tories. One insider pointed to Zahawi's history as a loyalist to every Tory leader during his 14 years in government, which included roles as chancellor for 63 days, vaccines minister, and education secretary.
This internal scepticism comes despite the public fanfare from party leader Nigel Farage, who hailed Zahawi as the latest and biggest defection to Reform. In his announcement, Zahawi stated he switched parties because "our wonderful country is sick" and that "Britain needs Reform".
Poll Slump and 'Same Team, New Badge' Jibes
The defection coincides with a new Sky x Times YouGov poll published on Tuesday, which shows Reform UK has fallen to its lowest voting intention level in 10 months, at 24%. The poll, ironically conducted by the company co-founded by Nadhim Zahawi, was carried out before his defection was announced.
It shows the Conservatives on 20%, Labour on 19%, the Liberal Democrats on 16%, and the Greens on 14%. Analysts note this continues a broad downwards trend for Reform since a peak around October 2025, as Conservative ratings show tentative signs of recovery.
Privately, Tory figures have been quick to label the move, suggesting Zahawi joins fellow defectors like Nadine Dorries and Jake Berry to make Reform look like 'Boris Johnson's version of the Conservative Party'. One former Tory cabinet minister derisively called it 'same team, new badge'.
Scandal History and a Warning to Other Tories
Mr Zahawi's political career has been marked by controversy. He was embroiled in the 2013 expenses scandal for charging the taxpayer to heat his horses' stables and was sacked as Tory chairman by Rishi Sunak for breaching the ministerial code over his tax affairs.
Fellow defector and former culture secretary Nadine Dorries offered a lukewarm response, telling Sky News that 'not everybody is welcome in Reform' and there is a limit to how many former ministers the party will accept. She warned any Tory MPs thinking of following Zahawi might 'get a nasty shock'.
Despite the internal concerns and dip in the polls, the political landscape remains volatile. Some analysts caution that comparing Reform to Boris Johnson's Conservatives could be a double-edged sword for the Tories, potentially reminding voters of a period that still holds some appeal for a segment of the electorate.
