Zahawi joining Reform UK after calling Farage 'racist'

FORMER Conservative chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has joined Reform UK.

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The former MP and minister, who also led the Conservative government's vaccine programme in the early days of the pandemic, said Britain was “drinking at the last chance saloon” and “really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister”.

He announced his defection at a press conference in central London yesterday, appearing alongside Reform UK leader Mr Farage, who said the ex-Tory’s move to his party helped to dispel suggestions it was a “one-man band”.

Mr Zahawi was sacked as Tory chairman in 2023 after he breached the ministerial code over his tax affairs. He later confirmed he paid a nearly £5 million penalty to HMRC.