Political opponents react to Nadhim Zahawi's government appointment

NADHIM Zahawi’s political opponents have given a mixed response to his appointment to Theresa May’s government this week.

Jeff Kenner, Labour 2017 candidate in Stratford, said: “I congratulate Nadhim Zahawi on his appointment and wish him well.

“But as a backbencher he has singularly failed to address the chronic underfunding of schools in Stratford in the period of Conservative government.

“Now he is, at last, on the most junior rung of the ministerial ladder we will have to see if he fares any better and judge him accordingly.

“To date, he has reputedly refused to become a full-time MP.”

Liz Adams, the Liberal Democrat candidate in Stratford in 2015 and 2017, said: "I hope he will take the time to listen to staff and heads of our fantastic schools here in Warwickshire and take up the fight for the funding they desperately need.

“I also trust that he will now step down from all his other paid roles as he assured local residents he would if given such an appointment.

“This whole reshuffle has been totally shambolic, and a distraction from the appalling progress of this government.”

Edward Fila, the 2015 UKIP candidate who came second to Mr Zahawi in 2015, said: “No doubt Nadhim will be pleased to have been chosen for this position.

“From your comments last week, it seems he was on a mission to be elected/selected.

“I do, however, have concerns for the strength of May’s government when she needs to have yet another reshuffle and has Ministers refusing to move depts.

“I wish Nadhim the best and hope he is able to have some influence.

Frank Rietz, chairman of UKIP’s Stratford branch, added: “I don’t know Nadhim’s involvement in the education world, however it is a good thing to have our local MP obtain a bigger say in the government and I wish him well in his new role.”

Green Party candidate, Dom Giles, who is a teacher at Stratford Girls’ Grammar School, said: “I would like to wish Mr Zahawi all the best in his new role.”

For Mr Zahawi’s views on his appointment and reaction from local headteachers read tomorrow’s Herald (Thursday).