The Daily T Tory ‘has been’ Zahawi defects to Reform after comparing Farage to Goebbels
Jan 12, 2026
Omid Djalili, a British-Iranian actor and comedian known for his sharp political commentary, sheds light on the current protests in Iran, emphasizing a transformative moment in the country’s history. He discusses the remarkable bravery of protesters and the impact of economic collapse on this uprising. Djalili critiques Western silence on Iranian struggles and calls for clear support for those fighting for change. He also highlights the role of figures like Reza Pahlavi in shaping a secular democratic future for Iran.
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Defection Bolsters Reform's Organisational Muscle
- Nadhim Zahawi's defection to Reform is strategically valuable for fundraising and building institutional capacity rather than headline-grabbing activism.
- Tim Stanley notes Zahawi will likely operate behind the scenes, strengthening Reform's organisational credibility.
Old Tweets Complicate New Alliances
- Past public attacks between Zahawi and Nigel Farage resurfaced during the press conference and created awkward questions for both men.
- Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley highlight how old tweets likening Farage to Goebbels undermined Zahawi's credibility at the launch.
Defections Driven By Electoral Calculus
- Defections reflect tactical calculations by disgruntled Conservatives weighing electoral survival against party loyalty.
- The hosts argue many right‑wing figures defect because they see Reform as the best route to win seats on May 7th.