Explosive leaked footage has revealed former Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi telling Nigel Farage that the Tories would 'die' without his involvement. The video, obtained by the Daily Mail, exposes deep-seated anxieties within the party's upper echelons about its future survival.
A Damning Private Conversation
The conversation took place in the green room of ITV's 'Good Morning Britain' in September 2022, shortly after Liz Truss became Prime Minister. In the clip, Zahawi, then Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is seen speaking candidly with the former UKIP and Brexit Party leader.
Zahawi is heard stating: 'The party will die without you, Nigel. I'm telling you.' He further emphasised his point, adding, 'The answer is you. I'm telling you. The party will die.' These remarks starkly contradict the public-facing unity the Conservative Party typically strives to project.
The Context of Tory Turmoil
This private admission came during a period of intense political chaos. Boris Johnson had recently been forced from office, and Liz Truss's tumultuous premiership was just beginning. Zahawi's comments to Farage, a figure long demonised by the Tory establishment, reveal a startling recognition of the party's vulnerability.
Political analysts suggest the leak is profoundly damaging as it confirms internal fears about electoral oblivion. It shows a senior Conservative figure effectively acknowledging that the party's traditional coalition is fractured and that it needs to appeal to Farage's voter base to survive.
Fallout and Future Implications
The release of this video adds fuel to the fire for a Conservative Party already trailing significantly in the polls under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It highlights the persistent internal debate about the party's direction and its relationship with voters who defected to Reform UK, the successor to the Brexit Party.
For Nigel Farage, the footage serves as a powerful vindication of his influence over British politics. It captures a moment where a senior Tory openly begged for his return to the fold to avert what he saw as certain demise. The incident raises serious questions about party discipline and the management of sensitive private discussions among high-profile figures.
Ultimately, this leaked video is more than a mere embarrassment; it is a symbolic snapshot of a party in crisis, openly doubting its own longevity and seeking salvation from a long-time adversary. The repercussions will likely echo through Westminster as the next general election approaches.
