Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is facing an investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over a £5 million gift from a party donor. The undeclared payment, received in 2024 from Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, has been referred to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg.
Farage Denies Wrongdoing
The Reform UK leader has previously insisted there is “no case to answer” regarding the gift, which he claims was unrelated to his political activities and was intended to fund private security for the rest of his life. According to reports, Farage received the money in 2024 before announcing his candidacy for the Clacton constituency in that year’s general election.
The Press Association understands that the commissioner has opened an investigation under rule five of the MPs’ code of conduct. This rule requires new MPs to register any relevant financial interests received in the 12 months before their election within one month of entering Parliament.
Reform UK Responds
A Reform UK spokesman stated: “Mr Farage’s office is in communications with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. He has always been clear that this was a personal, unconditional gift and no rules were broken. We look forward to this being put to bed once and for all.”
Christopher Harborne has separately donated millions to Reform UK, including a £9 million donation in August 2025—the largest single donation to a political party from a living person in history.
Deputy Leader Comments
On Sunday, Reform UK’s deputy leader Richard Tice said the £5 million was “probably not enough” to ensure Farage’s safety. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Tice said: “The rules are very clear and Nigel has complied with the rules.” When asked if any of the cash was used for political activity, Tice added: “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.” He described it as “a personal gift based around safety and security.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Farage’s office has confirmed they are cooperating with the commissioner.
