Reform UK's economic spokesperson Robert Jenrick has admitted that party leader Nigel Farage did not declare gifts and benefits provided by crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell, who was previously convicted of wire fraud in the United States. Jenrick stated on Sunday that the benefits—including staff, security, and accommodation—were personal gifts given before Farage became a Member of Parliament, and therefore did not require declaration under parliamentary rules.
Details of the Undeclared Benefits
According to the Sunday Times, Cottrell hired social media staff for Farage and allowed him to stay in his townhouse near Buckingham Palace. Jenrick confirmed to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that Cottrell paid for staff to manage Farage's social media presence in 2024. Jenrick argued that Farage was not an MP at the time, and the support was purely personal, particularly as Farage was a news presenter and had recently appeared on the TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Jenrick also acknowledged that Farage stayed at Cottrell's house "a couple of times" and accepted private security paid for by Cottrell, adding that Reform has been "completely open about this."
Parliamentary Rules and Exemptions
Parliamentary rules require MPs to declare gifts, benefits, and hospitality received in the year before their election if they could relate to their political activities. However, there is an exemption for gifts provided in a purely personal capacity. The Liberal Democrats have written to the parliamentary standards commissioner, who is already investigating a separate £5 million donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne that Farage failed to declare before announcing his intention to stand for parliament.
Reform UK's Response
A Reform UK spokesperson dismissed the Sunday Times report as "baseless and contrived," noting that the newspaper backed the Labour Party at the last general election. The spokesperson insisted that no parliamentary rules were broken. However, Health Secretary James Murray said Farage has questions to answer, stating, "He seems to have a bit of a flexible relationship with transparency, and I put it mildly."
Cottrell's Background
George Cottrell was charged in 2016 with 21 offenses for his role in a "dark money" money laundering scheme. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and served time in prison in Arizona. He is now seeking a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump. Farage was traveling with Cottrell back from a Trump rally when Cottrell was arrested, so Farage was aware of the conviction.
Farage's Declared Donations
After becoming an MP, Farage registered a £9,253 donation from Cottrell for a trip to Belgium in April 2024 and later added a £15,276 donation for a U.S. domestic flight provided by Cottrell in December 2024. However, he did not declare the earlier benefits, including staff, security, and accommodation.
