Nigel Farage was given £5 million by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne shortly before announcing his candidacy in the 2024 general election, the Guardian has revealed. The Reform UK leader had previously stated he would not stand as an MP but reversed his decision in June 2024, weeks after receiving the personal gift from the Thailand-based businessman.
Farage became an MP for the first time in July 2024 and has since expressed ambitions to become prime minister at the next election. After being approached by the Guardian, neither Farage nor Harborne initially commented; instead, lawyers for Reform UK and Harborne requested more time. Farage later confirmed the gift to the Daily Telegraph, stating it was for personal security.
MPs have said the gift should have been declared under parliamentary rules, which require any benefits received in the 12 months before taking office to be registered if there is any doubt about their purpose. The £5 million gift is likely to raise questions about transparency, especially given Farage's previous statements about his financial situation.
Harborne has become a pivotal figure in British politics, having donated £9 million to Reform UK last year—the largest single donation by a living person to a British political party. The £5 million personal gift to Farage came as he was pressuring then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to agree to an election pact with the Conservatives, a move Harborne reportedly favoured.
