The defection of Nadhim Zahawi from the Conservative Party to Reform has brought vaccine skepticism into the spotlight. When the former chancellor was unveiled as Reform's newest recruit, reporters were quick to ask about his views on COVID-19 vaccines. Zahawi, who had previously promoted the vaccines as vaccines minister during the pandemic, was asked if he would change Reform's medical policies if they had been influenced by vaccine-sceptic doctor Aseem Malhotra. Zahawi dismissed the question, but his recruitment has caused disquiet among Reform UK members who are hostile to the COVID-19 vaccine program. Some party members have resigned, while others have expressed Islamophobia and accused Zahawi of being part of a 'Muslim takeover' of Nigel Farage's party. The issue may continue to cause rifts within the party, with some members disagreeing with Zahawi's views on vaccines and public health measures. However, Zahawi has stated that he and Nigel Farage agree on the importance of the vaccine program, and Reform's chair David Bull has also maintained the party's stance on compulsory vaccines.
