A party of washed-up old Tories? Here's what Nadhim Zahawi's defection means for Reform, writes Natasha Clark |
By Natasha Clark
Reform UK has claimed its biggest Tory scalp yet with the defection of Nadhim Zahawi.
And with it, he will bring a wealth of knowledge from the long political career that he carved in the Conservative Party.
Being on the inside, having a book of business contacts, donors, and other friends, will help Nigel Farage's outlet to prepare properly for the election - and possibly government - whenever that comes.
Having a name and a face that people have heard of, most famously as vaccines tsar and Chancellor under Boris Johnson, will also help to end accusations that the party are a one-man band.
Another voice in the media, and another "foot soldier" to spread the word, will continue to help turn Reform from a party of protest into one that could possibly be trusted with the keys to the country.
However, today's press conference, where Mr Zahawi was wheeled out, shows the increasing risks the party is taking.
Is Reform now just a party of washed-up........