5 shocking reasons why Nadhim Zahawi return to politics could change the Conservative Party: The former Conservative Chancellor has hinted that he may be ready for a political comeback. Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News, Zahawi reflected on the tax controversy that led to his resignation and suggested he still has a strong desire to serve in frontline politics.
Nadhim Zahawi return to politics has already sparked debate among political analysts, party members, and the public. The former minister, who has held senior roles including Chancellor of the Exchequer, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and Chairman of the Conservative Party, said he fully accepts responsibility for the tax issue but stressed it was careless, not deliberate.
Tax Controversy and Lessons Learned
“You’ve got to own your own mistakes,” Zahawi told Farage. “HMRC classified it as careless, meaning it wasn’t deliberate tax avoidance but a careless error, which carried a fine.”
He disclosed the HMRC inquiry in his ministerial declarations and updated them when it was settled. He followed the same procedure for subsequent roles, including Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Party Chairman, though he did not include the settlement amount or fine details.
“Everything was settled,” Zahawi explained. “But once a story engulfs a Prime Minister, these things take on a life of their own.”
Could Nadhim Zahawi Return to Politics?
Speculation about a political comeback has intensified. When Farage asked if he could return to frontline politics, Zahawi smiled: “My wife always teases me and says I’ve still got the bug.”
Farage agreed: “I think our viewers can see he’s still got the bug.” He also revealed that he once placed a bet on Zahawi to become leader of the Conservative Party: “At the time all this broke, you were one of the favourites — I actually put money on you with a bookmaker!”
Zahawi’s Career and Influence in the Conservative Party
Zahawi entered Parliament in 2010 as MP for Stratford-on-Avon. Before politics, he co-founded the polling company YouGov. During his time as Vaccines Minister in the COVID-19 pandemic, he was praised for helping the UK’s vaccine rollout succeed ahead of schedule.
Despite the setback caused by the tax controversy in 2023, Zahawi remains active in political circles and influential within the Conservative Party. His comments on GB News suggest a return could be possible after the next general election, especially given current party challenges.
Future Outlook: Why His Return Could Shock the Party
While Zahawi did not commit to a timeline, it’s clear that Nadhim Zahawi return to politics is more than speculation. His experience, political skills, and public recognition could make him a surprising and powerful presence in the Conservative Party. Political analysts and party members alike are watching closely.
