Farage Warns of Tory Defections After Zahawi Switch

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has warned that a wave of Tory defections will follow the shocking switch of former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi to the same party. The switch, which stunned London and caused a stir among Conservative MPs, occurred on January 12, 2026, as reported by GB News. Farage said the Conservatives would 'cease to be a national political party', hinting at deeper ideological splits. Zahawi’s endorsement marks the first major high‑profile Tories to join Reform UK after 2018, and it underscores the growing rift between the Conservatives and the Reform movement. The article was published 12 January 2026 via GB News’ politics section.