Nadhim Zahawi, the former Conservative chancellor, has been announced as Reform UK’s newest recruit by party leader Nigel Farage. However, the move has drawn attention to a history of mutual criticism between the two men.
In a 2015 tweet, Zahawi wrote: “I’m not British Born Mr @Nigel_Farage I am as British as u r. Yr comments r offensive&racist. I wld be frightened 2live in country run by U.” The tweet was only deleted on Monday as Zahawi announced his defection.
Zahawi also wrote an article for Conservative Home in March 2015, stating: “What’s frightening is that in Farage’s Britain people like me could be lawfully discriminated against and British businesses would be encouraged to bin our CVs.” He further criticised Farage’s policy depth, saying: “Welfare and skills are two policy areas which we hear very little about from the UKIP leader. This is unsurprising because they require deep thought and serious long-term reform rather than the angry slogans which are his stock in trade.”
Farage has also been critical of Zahawi. In July 2022, after Zahawi was appointed chancellor, Farage said: “I thought Zahawi had principles, but tonight we learned all he’s interested in is climbing that greasy pole.” In 2023, after Zahawi was sacked as Tory party chair over an ethics inquiry, Farage commented: “I don’t think farce can even sum it up. It’s been obvious for a week that Zahawi would be fired and sure enough … it doesn’t say much about Zahawi’s affairs.”
