Reform UK insiders have raised alarm over Zahawi defection. They fear the move may look like “naked opportunism.” Some warn it could make Reform seem a refuge for former Tories.
Nadhim Zahawi’s defection was unveiled by party leader Nigel Farage on Monday. Zahawi said the country is “sick” and “Britain needs Reform.”
However, not all Reform members are thrilled. Some expressed caution and worry about the high-profile recruit. They noted Zahawi has been loyal to every Tory leader in the past 14 years.
On the Politics at Sam and Anne podcast, Sam Coates explained insiders fear the move may appear opportunistic. Zahawi’s long government career, including chancellor, vaccines minister, and education secretary, adds complexity.
Past controversies also cloud opinions. Zahawi faced criticism for the 2013 expenses scandal. He was also sacked as Tory chairman by Rishi Sunak for tax code breaches. Coates added Tory insiders privately describe Reform as “Boris Johnson’s Conservatives with a new badge.”
Meanwhile, a new Sky x Times poll by YouGov, which Zahawi co-founded, shows Reform at its lowest level since April. The party scored 24%, down two points. The Conservatives rose to 20%, Labour to 19%, the Liberal Democrats 16%, and the Greens fell to 14%.
Coates said Reform’s decline coincides with a slight Conservative recovery and falling concern over immigration. Analysts caution that one poll may not indicate a lasting trend.
Nadine Dorries, another former Tory turned Reform member, did not explicitly endorse Zahawi. She warned that “not everybody is welcome in Reform” and limits exist on ex-ministers. She added Conservative MPs following Zahawi may “get a nasty shock.”
Reform now faces questions about public perception and party identity. Polling, media coverage, and insiders’ reactions will shape the party’s future.
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