Nadhim Zahawi, a Tory MP who has served in four prime minister’s cabinets including chancellor, has announced that he will not stand in the next election. Zahawi, who has represented Stratford-on-Avon since 2010, made the announcement in a statement posted on X today. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the people of Stratford-on-Avon and serve as a Minister of the Crown, calling it the greatest honor of his life. After 14 years in Parliament and multiple roles in Cabinet and government, Zahawi has decided not to seek re-election. He reflected on his journey from a boy fleeing persecution in Baghdad to a prominent figure in British politics, stating, “Every morning, I shave my head in the mirror, I have to pinch myself. How is it that a boy from Baghdad who came to these shores, fleeing persecution and unable to speak a word of English, was able to do as much as I have?” Zahawi’s decision comes at a time when the Conservative Party has faced significant losses in the local elections, raising questions about their prospects in the upcoming general elections. Tory councillors, mayors, and police commissioners experienced defeats as voters swung towards opposition parties.
