Reform UK insiders express decidedly mixed reactions to Nadhim Zahawi high-profile defection. One figure praised him as “a serious f****r,” crediting competence, donor appeal, and credibility boost despite baggage.
Others worry his 14-year Tory loyalty across every leader since 2010 smacks of “naked opportunism.” Nigel Farage unveiled ex-chancellor Zahawi on Monday, who declared “our wonderful country is sick, Britain needs Reform.”
Zahawi’s backstory – from Iraqi refugee to multimillionaire YouGov co-founder and vaccines minister – contrasts Reform’s past vaccine scepticism, drawing frosty press conference rebukes.
Scandal-hit Zahawi record questioned
Zahawi’s career features 63-day chancellor stint, Boris Johnson vaccines role, education secretary, but also 2013 stables expenses scandal, 2018 President’s Club reprimand, Rishi Sunak sacking over tax affairs, and turning on Johnson.
Tories mock his move – joining Nadine Dorries, Jake Berry – as “same team, new badge,” Boris Johnson’s Conservatives rebadged. Sam Coates warns Tories’ attack line cuts both ways.
Poll dip amid Zahawi defection news
Sky x Times/YouGov poll puts Reform at 24% (down 2, 10-month low), Tories 20% (up 1), Labour 19% (up 2), Lib Dems 16%, Greens 14% (down 2) – conducted pre-announcement by Zahawi’s firm.
Coates notes Reform downtrend since October peak as Tories recover and immigration salience wanes. Dorries avoids Zahawi endorsement: “Everyone has reasons, not everybody welcome in Reform.”
Ambition drives establishment switch
Anti-establishment Reform embraces connections, experience, centrist softening despite “retired Tories’ home” risk. Source counters: “Tory party 10-15 years ago far better than now.”
At 58, wealthy Zahawi rejects retirement. Acquaintances cite unquenchable attention hunger, upper echelon acceptance drive fuelling past scrapes and Commons exit persistence. Reform’s poll lead offers top comeback route.
Source: SkyNews
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