Former Tory Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK
BBC••general
Key Points:
- Former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has defected to Reform UK, citing concerns over free speech restrictions, an "over-powerful" civil service, and failures in migration and legislation under both Labour and Conservative governments.
- Zahawi, who served as chancellor for two months and held various ministerial roles from 2018 to 2023, criticized the Conservative Party under Rishi Sunak and expressed support for Nigel Farage's vision, despite past disagreements.
- Nigel Farage announced Zahawi's defection at a press conference, stating that Reform UK is gaining momentum with around 20 former Tory MPs joining, and predicting the Conservatives will lose national significance in upcoming elections.
- The Conservative Party dismissed Reform UK as a refuge for "
