Is Reform’s New Star a Boon or Bane? Nadhim Zahawi's Risky Leap from Conservatives

Nadhim Zahawi’s recent decision to join the Reform Party is stirring up significant conversations in UK politics, marking a potential turning point for the party led by Nigel Farage. Zahawi, a former Conservative MP, is notable for his extensive governmental experience as a key figure behind the successful Covid vaccine rollout, and through his roles as education secretary and briefly, chancellor. His compelling personal history—fleeing war-torn Iraq as a child and overcoming language barriers to forge a successful career—adds to his appeal.

This defection signals an ongoing trend, with Zahawi now being the 22nd ex-Conservative MP to join Reform. Major figures from the Conservative Party like Nadine Dorries and Andrea Jenkyns have already made similar moves, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with their former party’s direction. As Reform seeks to position itself as the main right-wing alternative to the Conservatives, these defections present a golden opportunity to attract seasoned political veterans, reinforcing its claim for replacing the traditional Conservative base.

However, Zahawi’s shift to Reform carries risks. Reform has been vocal against the Conservatives, particularly regarding immigration policies under Boris Johnson’s leadership, leading to skepticism within Reform about former Conservative members. Critics may not hesitate to label Zahawi and others as ”failed MPs” searching for a comfortable landing spot. Additionally, allegations about Zahawi’s lobbying for a peerage and scrutiny of his tax affairs, which led to his ousting by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, cast a shadow over his new affiliation.

Despite the baggage that Zahawi brings, Farage believes that his star power will outweigh the negatives, invigorating the party and piquing the interest of political observers. Yet, the question remains: how many more former Conservatives can Reform absorb without it damaging their credibility? As Zahawi’s party change makes waves, further developments could set the stage for an even more dramatic shift in the political landscape.