In a seismic shift for British politics, former Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has defected to Reform UK, delivering the party's most significant political capture under the leadership of Nigel Farage.
A Major Defection Rocks Westminster
The dramatic move, confirmed on Monday 12 January 2026, represents a substantial blow to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. She had been attempting to stabilise her party's fortunes following a period of intense electoral pressure and internal strife. Zahawi, a prominent figure who served as chancellor under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, becomes the latest in a line of Johnson-era allies to abandon the Tory ship for Farage's insurgent party.
Implications for the Conservative Party
The defection is seen as a devastating setback for Badenoch's leadership. It undermines her authority and signals deep unrest within the Conservative ranks. Analysts suggest it could trigger further departures and weaken the party's standing as it prepares for a future general election. The loss of a high-profile figure like Zahawi, with his considerable experience and network, strips the Tories of a key asset and bolsters Reform UK's credibility as a home for disaffected centre-right voters and politicians.
Reform UK's Growing Influence
For Nigel Farage and Reform UK, securing Zahawi's allegiance is their most significant political scalp to date. It dramatically elevates the party's profile within the Westminster bubble and provides it with a seasoned operator who has held one of the great offices of state. This move is expected to energise Reform's campaign machinery and could attract more donations and support, positioning the party as a formidable force on the right of British politics.
The political landscape is now braced for the fallout, with the defection likely to dominate the news cycle and intensify the pressure on the Conservative leadership. This is a breaking story, and further developments are expected.
