The Boy from Baghdad

My Journey from Waziriyah to Westminster

Nadhim Zahawi

$24.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

HarperCollins
28 October 2025

Autobiography: business & industry; Autobiography: historical, political & military; Memoirs; Middle Eastern history; Political leaders & leadership

‘Very few people in parliament can match Nadhim’s childhood experience, his understanding of international affairs, his skills as a businessman and his passion for politics’ Rory Stewart

'From Baghdad to number 11 Downing Street: in any other country it would be fiction. You have to read it to believe it’ Jeffrey Archer

An Observer Book of the Week

Born and raised in Baghdad, Nadhim Zahawi arrived in the UK aged 12, having been forced to flee Iraq with his family, under threat from Saddam Hussein’s regime.

In this candid and thoughtful memoir, Nadhim vividly recalls his upbringing in the Middle East, his family’s adjustment to their new life in Britain and his rise to Second Lord of the Treasury, one of the highest offices in his adoptive homeland.

From his family home being repossessed in his teens to the incredible success of YouGov, and from the highs (and lows) of Jeffrey Archer’s mayoral campaign to overseeing Britain’s rollout as Minister for COVID Vaccine Deployment, Nadhim reflects on the setbacks faced and hurdles cleared that have reinforced his belief in the power of hard work and the benefits of an open, inclusive society.

The Boy from Baghdad is the full and fascinating story of Nadhim’s personal, professional and political journey from Waziriyah to Westminster.

By: Nadhim Zahawi
Imprint: HarperCollins
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 160g
ISBN: 9780008599423
ISBN 10: 0008599424
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 28 October 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Nadhim Zahawi is the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the United Kingdom. Born in Baghdad, he has been the Member of Parliament for Statford-on-Avon since 2010, representing the Conservative Party. His previous posts include Minister for COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment and Secretary of State for Education. Prior to becoming an MP, he founded the market research company YouGov. He is the co-author of Masters of Nothing: How the Crash Will Happen Again Unless We Understand Human Nature. Nadhim is married to Lana and has three children.