Nigel Farage is under formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The Reform UK leader received the money weeks before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 general election.
Farage claims the gift was intended to cover personal security costs and therefore did not require declaration. However, other parties argue it falls within rules requiring MPs to declare relevant gifts or donations received in the 12 months before entering parliament.
Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, has begun an investigation under rule 5 of the code of conduct. If a serious breach is found, Farage could face suspension from the Commons, potentially triggering a recall petition in his Clacton seat.
A speech Farage was to give in Sunderland was postponed after the investigation was announced. Reform UK cited government chaos, but the probe has overshadowed the party's recent electoral gains.
Farage also faces a potential second inquiry from the Electoral Commission after the Conservatives lodged a complaint over the £5m. The commission is considering the complaint and will respond by the end of the week.
Labour chair Anna Turley said it was right that Farage faces a proper investigation, while a Conservative spokesperson called the story 'very fishy'. Harborne has donated £12m to Reform UK in 2025, including a £9m donation last year.
