Nigel Farage is under scrutiny for failing to declare his use of a donor's helicopter to travel to political rallies across Britain. The helicopter, owned by a company linked to businessman Lorenzo Zaccheo—who donated £25,000 to Reform UK last year—was used as recently as Friday after local elections.
Data analysed by Democracy for Sale shows the helicopter traveled to locations where Reform UK rallies were held, including a trip to Birmingham in March 2024 for a campaign launch. Farage was photographed exiting the helicopter in Kent after his party won county council elections in May 2024.
Reform UK initially said the flights were paid for at commercial rates and there was no undeclared registrable interest. However, after publication, a party spokesperson confirmed Reform UK paid for the flights but did not disclose the cost or whether they were declared to the Electoral Commission.
Labour chair Anna Turley criticised Farage's transparency, noting his history of underdeclaring flight costs, including a private jet trip to the Maldives linked to donor Christopher Harborne. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper echoed concerns, stating Farage's finances are shrouded in secrecy.
MPs must register flights over £300 not paid personally or by public funds within 28 days. Farage has previously been sanctioned for 17 rule-breaking incidents by the parliamentary watchdog.
