Reform UK's central funds have paid for Nigel Farage's personal security, despite his insistence that a £5 million gift from a cryptocurrency billionaire would cover the cost. The party has reportedly covered the cost of a security team and two cars for its leader.
Gift designated for post-political life
The £5 million came from Thailand-based tycoon Christopher Harborne before the 2024 general election. Farage has said the money was given to him "so that I would be safe and secure for the rest of my life." However, a Mirror insider says the funds have not been spent because they are intended for his security after his official political career ends. It remains unclear what has happened to the money, including whether it is accruing interest in a bank account.
According to the Guardian, Farage charged Reform costs for security, including changes to his properties, with costs amounting to £150,000. The Mirror understands Reform disputes this point, but not that the central party pays for his security as leader more generally.
Standards watchdog investigation
Farage is under investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog over his alleged failure to declare the gift. He insists it was not necessary to declare as it was a personal gift. Newly elected MPs must declare any financial benefits received in the 12 months before they were elected.
Farage has offered varying explanations for the money's purpose. In May, he suggested it was a reward for his Brexit campaigning. In June interviews, he claimed it was not the public's business how he spends it, saying he could spend it on Ferraris or betting on horseracing if he wanted.
Political reactions
Undercover footage last month showed one of Farage's closest allies, Dan Jukes, admitting the Reform leader was not following the party line when he said the gift was a reward for his Brexit campaigning. Jukes appeared to suggest Farage slipped up, saying the comment was not the "line to take from the press office."
According to the Guardian, Reform distinguishes between security needed for Farage's political activities as party leader, which it pays for, and his potential longer-term personal security needs, which the gift was intended to cover. In April, Farage told the Telegraph the state had failed to fund his security. The i Paper later reported he received taxpayer-funded security when he became an MP in 2024 but declined it when it was reviewed the following year.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said: "Nigel Farage's excuses over his secret £5m 'gift' have fallen apart. You can't trust a word he says... It's time for him to get his story straight and be honest with the public." A Conservative party spokesman said: "Nigel Farage should come clean about where the £5m has gone and what it was really for." A Reform spokesman said: "As a standard practice, we do not comment on security matters."
