• Nadhim Zahawi, former UK finance minister, joins Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.
• Zahawi claims Britain is "broken" and needs Farage as Prime Minister.
• This defection marks a significant political shift, adds weight to Reform UK amid Labour's struggles.
• Zahawi had previously criticized Farage, showcasing the evolving political landscape.
• The next UK national election is not expected until 2029.

Nadhim Zahawi, the former finance minister of the UK, has officially defected from the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. During a press conference in London, Zahawi stated, "Britain needs Nigel Farage as prime minister," emphasizing that the country is currently in a "last chance saloon" moment and requires immediate and decisive leadership to reverse its declining fortunes, according to Reuters, India Times, and SCMP.

Reform UK has gained traction in the polls and is currently positioned ahead of the opposition Labour Party, which has struggled to translate its electoral victories into meaningful public change. Zahawi’s defection is significant, as he becomes one of the most high-profile politicians to make this switch, bringing with him experience as a former chancellor who oversaw critical financial decisions during the Boris Johnson administration, according to Reuters and India Times.

The timing of Zahawi's announcement reflects broader discontent within the Conservative Party regarding its leadership and policies, particularly under current leader Keir Starmer. Zahawi described Labour's direction as "dangerous," pointing to various recent political moves that he believes threaten the UK's stability. This sentiment resonates with the increasing number of former Conservative members who are turning to Reform UK, as evidenced by the recent shift in party affiliation, according to India Times and SCMP.

Interestingly, Zahawi had previously criticized Farage, labeling him "offensive and racist," heightening the drama of his recent switch. At the press conference, Zahawi attempted to reframe this past criticism, asserting that he would not stand with Farage if he believed Farage held any discriminatory views, thereby presenting his move as a necessary evolution rather than a contradiction, according to India Times and SCMP.

Zahawi's departure from the Conservative Party accompanies a broader narrative about the party's health, with critics inside and outside expressing concern over its future. Some Conservative spokespeople have indicated that Zahawi's move to Reform UK implicitly acknowledges the party’s significant issues, characterizing it as a haven for politicians seeking career resurrection. Zahawi’s reputation has already been impacted by scrutiny over his past, especially following a tax investigation that led to his previous sacking as Conservative Party chairman, according to Reuters and SCMP.