Nadhim Zahawi"s journey from Baghdad to British politics

Nadhim Zahawi, born into a prominent family in Baghdad, faced significant upheaval following the rise of Saddam Hussein. His family's fortunes declined after a failed business venture, leading them to live among other exiles in the UK. Zahawi's political journey began with mentorship from Jeffrey Archer, which included involvement in the creation of YouGov, a pioneering internet polling company. His political career saw him hold various ministerial roles, including overseeing the NHS's ventilator challenge and the vaccine rollout during the pandemic. Despite his achievements, Zahawi's career was marred by controversy, particularly regarding his financial dealings. He faced scrutiny for not fully disclosing an HMRC investigation and for a significant tax return discrepancy. Zahawi attributed this oversight to a lack of attention to paperwork, which raised questions about his accountability and integrity. His memoir reflects on the duality of his identity as a migrant and a successful politician, grappling with the label of 'refugee' while advocating for the contributions of migrants to the economy. Zahawi's support for British involvement in the Iraq war remains steadfast, as he believes future generations will view it favorably. Ultimately, Zahawi's story is one of resilience and ambition, yet it also serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of political life, the challenges of maintaining public trust, and the consequences of personal and financial missteps in the public eye.