Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has declared his largest single payment to date for work outside his parliamentary duties, receiving £270,000 for promoting gold bullion. The sum, formally registered in his latest financial interests declaration, comes from Direct Bullion, where Farage serves as a brand ambassador.
The official register states that the £270,000 was for an estimated “up to four hours work per month over the course of a three-month period,” equating to a total of 12 hours. This represents a substantial hourly rate of £22,500.
Additional Declared Earnings
Farage also registered £18,402 for an estimated six hours of presenting on GB News. These declarations come amid ongoing scrutiny of his financial dealings, including a £5 million gift from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.
The Clacton MP has faced questions about the gift, which he received before announcing his candidacy for the 2024 general election. Farage has argued that the gift did not need to be declared because it was not related to politics, describing it as a “wholly private matter.” He has offered varying explanations, including that it was for personal security and a “reward” for his Brexit campaigning.
Parliamentary Investigation
Parliament’s standards commissioner is investigating whether Farage should have registered the Harborne gift. If found to have committed a serious breach of rules, he could face suspension from the Commons. A suspension of 10 days or more could trigger a recall petition, potentially forcing him to contest his Clacton seat again.
A Reform UK spokesperson previously 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.”
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Farage reiterated: “As has previously been reported and declared, Nigel Farage is a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion.”
