The Liberal Democrats have called on the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to investigate Nigel Farage's claims that his phone was hacked by a foreign adversary. The Reform UK leader alleged that details of a £5 million gift from a Thailand-based billionaire were leaked after his device was compromised by hackers linked to the Kremlin.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper wrote to NCSC chief Richard Horne, stating it is "unthinkable" that a party leader would be allowed to carry a phone that may have been accessed by a foreign state. She said: "If a political party leader has had his communications compromised by a foreign adversary, it poses an alarming threat to our entire democracy."
Mr Farage received the £5 million from crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne shortly before the 2024 general election. The gift, which Mr Farage claims covers his security costs, was not declared to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, who is now investigating. Reform UK insists it was an "unconditional personal gift".
Former NCSC head Ciaran Martin dismissed Mr Farage's hacking claim as "entirely unsubstantiated". In a separate letter, Lib Dem frontbencher Lisa Smart called for Mr Farage to be blocked from government WiFi and banned from using his phone in meetings with senior officials, warning of potential blackmail risks.
A Reform UK spokesperson said the matter "has been reported to the relevant authorities" but declined to comment further while investigations are ongoing. The NCSC has been contacted for comment.
