In a striking political development, key figures within Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, who have publicly criticised the new 'mansion tax', are facing the prospect of paying the levy on their own multi-million pound properties, The Mirror can exclusively reveal.
The Hypocrisy Exposed
The controversy centres on the high value council tax surcharge announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her recent budget. This new policy, set to be introduced in 2028, will impose an annual charge on properties in England valued at over £2 million, starting from at least £2,500 and rising to £7,500 for homes worth over £5 million.
Despite Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggesting the tax would cause "great distress" to widows in Greater London and labelling it "petty jealousy" back in 2012, an investigation has uncovered that his own parliamentary colleagues and party treasurer are directly in the line of fire.
The Reform Figures Facing the Charge
Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader and MP for Boston and Skegness, had previously claimed the mansion tax would "break the whole economy". However, it can be disclosed that the millionaire politician is the registered joint owner of a £4 million property in Buckinghamshire.
When confronted, Tice stated the property "was transferred to my ex wife as part of a divorce settlement in early 2024" and that he has "no financial interest at all in it". He did, however, confirm he is still paying the mortgage, which is why his name remains on the Land Registry documentation.
Another Reform MP, Danny Kruger, also faces a potential bill. The East Wiltshire MP, who defected from the Conservatives in September, co-owns a London house which he purchased for £1.9 million in 2011. Given the surge in property prices since then, the home is now likely to be valued well in excess of the £2 million threshold.
Furthermore, Nick Candy, the party's treasurer who donated £500,000 to Reform this year, is in line to pay the tax. His extensive property portfolio includes a Grade II-listed manor in Oxfordshire which he purchased for £8.5 million in 2021.
Political Fallout and Economic Argument
The revelations have sparked accusations of hypocrisy. A Labour source commented: "Given Nigel Farage’s economic plans are a golden giveaway for foreign billionaires it will come as no surprise he opposes making the tax system fairer… Farage is completely out of touch."
Chancellor Reeves defended the policy in the Commons, stating it would address wealth inequality, noting that a band D home in Darlington or Blackpool pays more in council tax than a £10 million mansion in Mayfair. The government expects the surcharge to raise over £400 million by 2031 and affect less than the top 1% of properties.
In his defence, Richard Tice maintained his economic critique, arguing that "the housing market has ground to a halt above circa £1.5/2 million in many areas" and pointing to effectively zero GDP growth and downgraded OBR forecasts.
Danny Kruger declined to comment on the matter, while Reform UK and a representative for Nick Candy were contacted for comment.
