Nigel Farage is under formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The Reform UK leader received the money weeks before announcing his candidacy in the 2024 general election.
Farage claims the gift was intended to cover personal security costs and did not require declaration. However, rules require MPs to register any relevant gifts or donations received in the 12 months before entering parliament. Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, has begun an investigation under rule 5 of the code of conduct.
If found guilty of a serious breach, Farage 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 speech in Sunderland was postponed after the investigation was announced.
Reform UK stated Farage's office is cooperating with the commissioner and maintains no rules were broken. Farage also faces a potential second inquiry after the Electoral Commission received a complaint from the Conservatives over the same gift. The commission is considering the complaint and will respond by the end of the week.
Harborne has donated £12m to Reform UK in 2025, including a £9m donation last year—the largest single donation by a living person to a British political party. Reform MP Danny Kruger reiterated that the gift was personal, not political, and used for security.
