Overview
- The former chancellor was unveiled alongside Nigel Farage at a London press conference, declaring Britain is at the "last chance saloon" and saying the country "really does need Nigel Farage as Prime Minister."
- Zahawi said he let his Conservative membership lapse in December 2025, described a "national emergency," and insisted he had been promised no government job.
- Farage argued Zahawi’s arrival helps dispel the "one‑man band" label as Reform seeks to broaden its front bench and campaign operation.
- Conservatives condemned the move as opportunistic, highlighting Zahawi’s past remarks that he would "die a Conservative" and that he would be "frightened" to live in a country run by Farage.
- Zahawi’s HMRC dispute, which led to his 2023 sacking as Tory chairman and a nearly £5m settlement, resurfaced during questioning, while fresh polling cited by City A.M. showed Reform extending a national lead.