Reform UK MP Nadhim Zahawi Expresses Safety Concerns in London
Reform UK Member of Parliament Nadhim Zahawi has publicly declared that he does not feel safe walking in London, citing a recent encounter with a tired-looking individual as the catalyst for his apprehension. The former Conservative chancellor, who switched allegiance to Nigel Farage's party in January, detailed the incident during a radio interview with LBC, describing how he evaded a sleepy passerby in one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods.
Incident Details and Immediate Reaction
Zahawi recounted the moment, stating, 'Yesterday, I walked from my home in one of the most upmarket areas of London, and an individual walked past me.' He elaborated that he immediately stepped off the pavement into the road, keeping a vigilant watch at 8 a.m. When probed about his suspicion, Zahawi pointed to the man's appearance, remarking, 'He looked like he hadn't slept for a week, and looked like somebody who might be violent, I don't know.' He emphasized his unease by adding, 'I just walked away from the pavement. I don't feel safe that my 13-year-old can walk in London. That can't be right.'
Historical Context and Previous Concerns
This is not the first instance Zahawi has voiced alarm over tired individuals in London's wealthy districts. In 2024, while still a Conservative member, he posted a photograph on social media depicting a man lying on the ground in Mayfair, wrapped in a white blanket. Accompanying the image, he wrote, 'This is now in Mayfair, just walked passed [sic]. What is going on @MayorofLondon this can't be right.' This pattern highlights his ongoing preoccupation with urban safety and public behavior in exclusive locales.
Political Background and Defection Dynamics
Zahawi, who briefly served as chancellor for two months following Rishi Sunak's resignation in 2022, officially joined Reform UK on January 12. He praised Farage's party as 'the team that will deliver for this nation,' though his transition faced early scrutiny when past social media posts resurfaced. In one notable tweet, he previously labeled Farage as 'offensive and racist,' and expressed fear about living under his leadership. Prior to his political career, Zahawi co-founded the prominent polling firm YouGov, establishing his profile in public opinion analysis.
Investigations and Political Fallout
During his tenure as chancellor, it was later revealed that Zahawi was under investigation by HMRC, a disclosure that ultimately led to his dismissal as Conservative Party chairman by Sunak. This backdrop adds complexity to his current stance and public statements, intertwining personal security narratives with broader political controversies.
