Reform Defector Nadhim Zahawi Once Said He Would Be 'Frightened' To Live In Farage's UK

Reform’s newest recruit Nadhim Zahawi once said he would be “frightened” to live in Nigel Farage’s UK.

The former Conservative chancellor announced at a Reform press conference on Monday that “Britain needs Nigel Farage as prime minister” and that “Britain needs Reform”.

But he evidently has not always felt that way.

Back in 2015 – shortly after he first became a Tory MP – Zahawi wrote on Twitter: “I’m not British Born Mr Nigel Farage, I am as British as u r.

“Yr comments r offensive&racist. I wld b frightened 2live in country run by U.”

Zahawi was asked about the old post during a press conference on Monday when Farage jubilantly announced yet another former Tory MP had joined Reform.

Both Zahawi and Farage laughed at the question.

“Good on you for digging out a tweet from 11 years ago,” the ex-Tory MP said.

“All I would say to you is that if I thought this man sitting next to me in any way had an issue with people of my colour, or my background, who have come to this country, who have integrated, assimilated, proud of this country, worked hard for this country paid millions of pounds in tax for this country, invested in this country, I wouldn’t be sitting next to him.

“And I think he wouldn’t be sitting next to me, either.”

Zahawi’s post was deleted shortly after the press conference, but not before it was screenshot by reporters.

Another Zahawi post from September 2014 – which is yet to be deleted – also reiterated his aversion to working with Farage.

He said: “Been a Conservative all my life and will die a Conservative.”

Zahawi has become the 22nd former Conservative MP to defect to Reform in total.

Responding to his announcement, Labour Party chair Anna Turley said: “This confirms what we already knew: Reform UK has no shame.

“Nadhim Zahawi is a discredited and disgraced politician who will be forever tied to the Tories’ shameful record of failure in government.

“Zahawi himself has previously repeatedly lambasted his new boss over his divisive and extreme rhetoric – and Farage has said that Zahawi has no principles and is only interested in climbing the greasy pole.

“This shameless scurry of yet another failed Tory over to Reform will tell people everything they need to know about both of them.

“While Farage spreads toxic division and decline, this Labour government is focused on delivering for working people. We’re tackling the cost of living – with free breakfast clubs for kids, rail fares and prescription charges frozen, and mortgage costs easing.”

Liberal Democrat MP for Stratford-on-Avon – Zahawi’s former seat – Manuela Perteghella said: “Reform is becoming a retirement home for disgraced former Conservative ministers.

“Zahawi served under Liz Truss and Boris Johnson and now he’s being championed by Nigel Farage.

“It’s no wonder voters in Stratford kicked out the Conservatives at the last election and put their trust in the Liberal Democrats.”