Former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has defected to Reform UK, becoming the latest in a growing list of Tory politicians to join Nigel Farage's party. Zahawi, who previously stated his lifelong commitment to the Conservative Party, announced his decision at a press conference, stating his belief that Reform UK, under Farage's leadership, will deliver for the nation. A Conservative spokesperson criticized the move, suggesting Reform UK is a haven for "has-been politicians." Zahawi's defection follows his dismissal as Conservative Party chairman in 2023 due to tax affairs, which he settled with a nearly £5 million penalty.
Zahawi is one of several notable Conservatives to join Reform UK. These include Lee Anderson, who defected in March 2024 and now serves as Chief Whip for Reform UK, retaining his seat in the 2024 general election. Jonathan Gullis defected in December of the previous year after losing his seat as a Tory MP. Nadine Dorries, after 25 years as a Conservative, announced her move to Reform UK in September last year, having previously served as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Other defectors include David Jones, a former cabinet minister who joined Reform UK last summer, citing disillusionment with the two major parties. Dame Andrea Jenkyns left the Conservatives in November of the previous year and later announced her candidacy for Reform UK. Danny Kruger, MP for Devizes, declared the Conservative Party "over" in September last year before defecting. Lucy Allan, former MP for Telford, was suspended from the Conservative Party for supporting the Reform UK candidate in her former constituency. Sir Jake Berry defected in July of the previous year after serving as an MP since 2010 and briefly as Conservative Party Chairman. Anne Marie Morris joined Reform UK to lead their social care policy, having previously been Conservative MP for Newton Abbot and having twice lost the party whip. Marco Longhi defected in January of the previous year and is now president of Turning Point UK. Ross Thomson, former MP for Aberdeen South, announced his defection in June last year, stating Reform UK has the "courage and answers." Chris Green, MP for Bolton West until 2024, was one of the latest to defect in December last year. Lia Nici, former MP for Great Grimsby, defected in December after serving as an assistant government Whip.