Nadhim Zahawi: From Iraqi Refugee to Sacked Tory Chairman
London, 12 January 2026 – Nadhim Zahawi, the Iraqi-born British politician who rose from a Kurdish refugee to a senior cabinet minister, faced a dramatic downfall in 2023 when he was sacked as Conservative Party chairman over a tax affairs scandal. Despite his achievements in government, including overseeing the UK’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Zahawi’s career ended in controversy, leading to his retirement from Parliament in 2024.
Early Life and Business Career
Born in Baghdad in 1967 to a prominent Kurdish family, Zahawi fled Iraq with his family in 1978 to escape Saddam Hussein’s regime. Arriving in the UK aged 11, unable to speak English, he attended private schools and studied chemical engineering at University College London. Zahawi co-founded the market research firm YouGov in 2000, serving as its CEO until 2010, and later worked as chief strategy officer for Gulf Keystone Petroleum. He entered politics as a Conservative councillor in Wandsworth and was elected MP for Stratford-on-Avon in 2010.
Political Rise and Key Roles
Zahawi held various junior ministerial positions before becoming Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment in 2020, earning praise for his role in the UK’s vaccination programme. Promoted to Secretary of State for Education in 2021, he briefly served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in July 2022 under Boris Johnson. After Johnson’s resignation, Zahawi contested the Conservative leadership but withdrew after the first round. He endorsed Liz Truss, who appointed him Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, before Rishi Sunak made him Chairman of the Conservative Party in October 2022.
Tax Scandal and Dismissal
In January 2023, reports emerged that Zahawi had settled a tax dispute with HMRC over the sale of YouGov shares, paying around £4.8 million, including a 30 per cent penalty for “careless” errors. An ethics inquiry by Sir Laurie Magnus found seven breaches of the ministerial code, including failing to disclose the investigation when appointed to senior roles. Sunak sacked him as party chairman on 29 January 2023, citing a “serious breach.” Zahawi denied deliberate wrongdoing and apologised for not being more explicit in declarations. He remained an MP until retiring in May 2024.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth and Background | Born 2 June 1967 in Baghdad, Iraq; Kurdish refugee to UK in 1978. |
| Education | University College London (BSc in Chemical Engineering). |
| Parliamentary Career | MP for Stratford-on-Avon (2010–2024); served under four prime ministers. |
| Key Positions | Chancellor of the Exchequer (July–September 2022); Conservative Party Chairman (October 2022–January 2023). |
| Tax Settlement | Paid £4.8 million to HMRC in 2023, including 30% penalty for careless errors. |
| Family | Married to Lana Saib since 2004; three children. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nadhim Zahawi’s role in the COVID-19 vaccine programme?
As Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment from 2020 to 2021, Zahawi coordinated the UK’s vaccination rollout, which vaccinated millions and earned him widespread recognition for his organisational skills.
Why was Zahawi sacked as Conservative Party chairman?
He was dismissed in January 2023 after an ethics inquiry found he breached the ministerial code by failing to disclose an ongoing HMRC tax investigation when appointed to senior government roles, despite settling the dispute for £4.8 million.
Did Zahawi retire from Parliament?
Yes, he announced his retirement in May 2024, stating he would not stand in the next general election, citing a desire to let younger Conservatives take over.