In a seismic shift for British politics, former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has defected to Reform UK, dealing a major blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Tory party. The move, confirmed on January 12, 2026, makes Zahawi the most senior former Conservative to join Nigel Farage's insurgent party.
A High-Profile Defection Rocks Westminster
The defection of a figure of Zahawi's stature – a former Chancellor of the Exchequer and party chairman – represents a significant coup for Reform UK and underscores the deepening fractures within the Conservative vote. His crossing of the floor is seen as the latest and most dramatic evidence of the right-wing challenge eroding Tory support.
Zahawi, who served as Chancellor under Boris Johnson and briefly under Liz Truss, brings considerable political heft and name recognition to Reform. His decision follows a growing trend of Conservative MPs and members expressing disillusionment with the party's direction and switching allegiance.
Farage's Party Gains Momentum
Under the leadership of Nigel Farage, Reform UK has positioned itself as the clear alternative for voters dissatisfied with the major parties, particularly on issues like immigration, net zero policies, and economic management. Zahawi's defection provides a substantial boost to the party's credibility and its claim to be a serious political force.
Political analysts suggest this move could encourage further defections from the Conservative backbenches, especially among those on the right of the party who feel their views are no longer represented by the Sunak leadership. It also poses a direct threat in numerous constituencies where Reform candidates could split the right-of-centre vote.
Implications for the Conservative Party
The loss of Nadhim Zahawi is a stark symbol of the Conservative Party's ongoing internal struggles. It follows a period of intense speculation about the party's unity and its ability to hold together its broad coalition of voters ahead of the next general election.
For Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the defection is a serious setback, highlighting the challenge of managing a party that spans a wide ideological spectrum. It will likely intensify debates within Tory ranks about policy direction and electoral strategy as they seek to stem the flow of support to Reform.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Zahawi's move is an isolated event or the beginning of a more significant realignment on the British political right.
