Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has confirmed receiving a £5m personal gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 general election. The donation, intended for personal security, was not publicly disclosed until the Guardian approached Farage for comment.
Farage had previously stated he would not stand as an MP, citing financial strain, but reversed his decision in June 2024. He became an MP for Clacton in July and has since expressed ambitions to become prime minister. The gift raises questions about transparency, as parliamentary rules require MPs to declare benefits received in the 12 months before taking office.
Harborne, a Thai-based tycoon with a 12% stake in Tether, has been a major donor to Reform UK, including a £9m donation last year. Farage has insisted he promised nothing in return for the donations, speaking to Harborne only occasionally. The disclosure has prompted calls for greater scrutiny of political financing.
