Reform UK's deputy leader has defended a £5 million gift received by Nigel Farage from a party donor, claiming it was "based around safety and security" but appeared unable to guarantee none of it was spent on campaigning. The previously undeclared payment from Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne in 2024 led to Mr Farage's referral to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner by the Conservatives last week.
Richard Tice's Defence
Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, stated on Sunday that the £5 million was "probably not enough" to ensure Mr Farage's safety. He repeatedly sidestepped questions on whether the money was solely for security, insisting Mr Farage "complied with the rules" and expressed gratitude for Mr Harborne's "wonderful" support. Mr Tice explicitly described the sum as "a personal gift based around safety and security".
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from Mr Farage reportedly receiving this sum in 2024, before announcing his candidacy in Clacton-on-Sea for that year's general election. Parliamentary regulations require new MPs to register any financial support received within 12 months before their election, unless it "could not reasonably be thought by others" to be connected to political activities.
Following Reform's recent electoral successes, Mr Tice suggested voters were unconcerned by the £5 million gift, accusing the media of "trying to smear" the party. Speaking on the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, the Reform UK MP for Boston and Skegness declared: "The reality is, voters have been made aware of all of this and have said: 'We want more Nigel, we want more Reform leadership, we want more Reform councillors.' The rules are very clear and Nigel has complied with the rules."
When pressed on potential political use, Mr Tice reiterated: "Nigel's safety and security is absolutely paramount. And I know, because I spend a lot of time with Nigel, that frankly £5 million is probably not enough." Mr Tice, who has faced his own financial scrutiny, claimed voters are "sick" of press attempts to "smear" Reform.
Labour's Response
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley launched a scathing critique of Mr Farage, asserting: "Once again, Farage and his MPs clearly believe there's one rule for them and another for everyone else. Serious questions remain unanswered after Nigel Farage appeared to once again breach the rules by failing to declare money from his billionaire backer." Ms Turley further alleged: "He didn't just take the cash and fail to declare it – he announced a crypto tax cut policy that would directly benefit his secret donor." She concluded Reform has "consistently attempted to dodge scrutiny" and is "simply riding roughshod over public trust in politics."
Additional Donations
It should be noted that Mr Harborne has made other substantial donations to Reform, including a £9 million contribution in August 2025 – recorded as the largest single donation from a living person to a political party in history.
