Nigel Farage faces mounting questions over his finances after claiming Russian spies hacked his phone to expose a secret £5 million "gift" from a crypto billionaire. The Reform UK leader has given conflicting explanations for the payment, initially saying it was for personal security, then calling it a "reward for campaigning for Brexit."
Political Fallout
A Labour spokesman said: "Farage's finances get murkier and murkier. He can't keep stonewalling this issue and changing his story. The British people will only be left believing they can't trust a word he says." Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood added: "The fact that anyone knew about Farage's £5m, and it still was not declared, raises further questions that demand answers. What did a Thailand-based crypto billionaire want in return?"
Reform UK's Claims
Reform UK claims a forensic probe by counter-espionage experts found hostile state actors "almost certainly linked to Moscow" sought to compromise Farage's phone, email, and bank accounts. The party has not provided evidence for this claim. A source said: "Only four people in the world knew about the donation." Farage said: "These actions by Russia are deeply concerning and highlight the threat they pose to British security."
Declaration Obligations
Farage did not declare the gift in the register of members' interests, having received it just before being elected as an MP in 2024. Under Commons rules, newly elected MPs must declare financial interests covering the previous 12 months. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is examining whether Farage breached these obligations. The Electoral Commission is also considering an investigation.
Donor Background
Christopher Harborne, a British businessman based in Thailand, donated £12 million to Reform UK last year. The Guardian, which broke the story, has been accused by Farage of reporting illegally obtained information. A Guardian spokesman called this "an absurd claim and an attempt to deflect attention from legitimate scrutiny."
Cross-Party Criticism
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "However this information came to light, Nigel Farage just needs to come clean now about whether he promised anything to Harborne in exchange for this money." Farage and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice insist the gift complied with the law.
