Nadhim Zahawi Joins Nigel Farage's Reform UK Party to 'Fix a Broken Britain'

Former finance minister Nadhim Zahawi defected from the Conservative Party to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, citing Britain as 'broken.' Zahawi served under Boris Johnson and led COVID-19 vaccine efforts. Farage's party, gaining popularity on issues like immigration, aims to challenge Labour's leadership.

In a significant political shift, former British finance minister Nadhim Zahawi announced his defection to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party from the Conservative Party. Citing Britain's need for change, Zahawi declared the country was 'broken' and needed Farage as prime minister to address its woes.

Zahawi, who briefly held the finance minister post under Boris Johnson in 2022, joins a series of former Conservatives aligning with Farage's populist movement. Reform UK currently leads national polls, far surpassing the Labour Party, which struggles to translate its electoral success into practical reforms amidst financial constraints and global unrest.

While discussing his defection, Zahawi emphasized Britain's need for new leadership. Despite holding only five seats in parliament, Reform UK's surge is driven by public dissatisfaction on issues like immigration and declining public service standards. Zahawi's switch follows his dismissal as Conservative Party chairman after a tax probe investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)