Zahawi: the Covid-19 hero

Of all the people we should be giving thanks to for their selfless efforts during the pandemic, one particular man deserves singling out. His name is Nadhim Zahawi.

The Iraqi-born 53-year-old – the Conservative Minister charged with sorting out the nation’s rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine and the sitting MP for Stratford-on-Avon – is, in my humble opinion, one of the shining lights to emerge from the last year.

He has worked his socks off to ensure almost 29 million Britons had received their first jab by last night, and he has done it quietly, not seeking self-promotion or his moment of glory for making a success of the UK’s rollout programme.

His politics are immaterial. If he was a member of the Monster Raving Looney Party, it wouldn’t matter, for what is all-important is his competence to do the job. And, in this regard, he has proven to be a rare gem.

What we needed

It is so refreshing to see a government minister thriving in a pressurised role. I would go as far as saying, Nadhim Zahawi is an answer to prayer.

His appointment, on 28 November 2020, came at the precise moment the country needed someone of character to get us on track. We had been beset with controversy after controversy to do with the education system, and we needed some respite.

And, my goodness, haven’t we been blessed with precisely what we needed?

While the rest of Europe and much of the world flails, Britain has been able to steer a course that has given hope to the most vulnerable people in our society and is ensuring our society and communities will be returning to normal much quicker than our cousins across the English Channel.

If my comments appear celebratory and nationalistic, than I apologise unreservedly. This is not my intention. I simply wish to give credit where credit is due.

After so much bad news, it is wonderful to finally see a light burning brightly at the end of the tunnel.

So ‘thank you’ Nadhim Hahawi. You deserve our unreserved thanks and continued prayers.