Nadhim Zahawi has been accused of “begging” Kemi Badenoch for a peerage just weeks before defecting from the Tories to Reform UK. Conservative sources told HuffPost UK the former chancellor had asked to join the Lords “several times”, but been refused. “Given he was sacked for his dodgy tax affairs, this was never going to happen,” a source said. “His defection tells you everything you need to know about Reform being a repository for disgraced politicians.” Zahawi was sacked as Tory chairman in 2023 after breaking the ministerial code by failing to declare that he was being investigated by HMRC over his tax affairs. A Reform spokesman said: “Nadhim did not beg for a peerage as they claim – Kemi called him for advice on how to save the party and he decided to join the only party he feels can save Britain.” Zahawi was unveiled as Reform’s 22nd Tory defector at a press conference alongside Nigel Farage on Monday morning. He said: “Britain needs Nigel Farage as prime minister.” However, within minutes it emerged …