Don't miss Ben tonight, 13 January 2025, at 8pm on Talk TV with Kevin O'Sullivan!
In a significant political development, former Conservative Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi has officially defected to Reform UK, joining Nigel Farage's growing party on 12 January 2026. Zahawi, who previously served as a senior minister under Boris Johnson—including leading the UK's early COVID-19 vaccine rollout—announced his move during a joint press conference with Farage in central London.
Zahawi described the UK as being at a critical juncture, stating that the nation is "drinking at the last chance saloon" and in urgent need of bold leadership. He went further, declaring that "Britain really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister" to deliver the change required. Describing the country as "sick" and facing a "dark and dangerous" moment, Zahawi framed his defection as a call for a "glorious revolution" to reclaim control from unelected bureaucracy and address the deep issues he believes the Conservative Party has failed to fix.
This move marks one of the most prominent defections yet to Reform UK, with Zahawi becoming roughly the 20th former Conservative MP to make the switch. Farage welcomed him warmly, highlighting Zahawi's business success and suggesting his arrival is a major coup for the party.
Ben Habib has been vocal in his opposition. Speaking on TalkTV with Kevin O'Sullivan, Habib accused Zahawi of being "part of the problem" rather than the solution, branding him a "globalist" who does not align with Reform's core principles.
Ben went on to criticise Reform UK for what he sees as a pattern of recruiting "one Tory after another," describing it as a "long, long recruitment of failed Tories." His comments reflect growing unease among some former supporters and insiders that the influx of ex-Conservatives risks diluting the party's distinct identity and turning it into a refuge for disillusioned establishment figures.
Reactions to Zahawi's arrival have been mixed. While some within Reform UK view it as a strategic gain—bringing experience, profile, and potential resources—others, including certain party insiders, have expressed concerns that it could appear as "naked opportunism" and alienate grassroots voters. Conservative sources have suggested Zahawi's move followed unsuccessful attempts to secure a peerage under the new Tory leadership.
As Reform UK continues to position itself as the main challenger on the right, this latest high-profile addition highlights both the opportunities and the internal tensions facing Nigel Farage's party in 2026. Whether Zahawi's defection strengthens Reform's push for power or fuels further division remains to be seen—but it undeniably underscores the fluid and fractured state of Reform UK and that Advance UK is the clear solution!