Nigel Farage has been challenged to clarify whether he reported allegations that Russian spies hacked his phone to expose a secret £5 million "gift" from a cryptocurrency billionaire. The Reform UK leader initially claimed the controversial payment from tycoon Christopher Harborne was intended to cover his personal security costs, later describing it as a "reward for campaigning for Brexit."
Labour Demands Answers
After the "gift" was revealed, Reform asserted that a forensic investigation by counter-espionage experts found hostile state actors "almost certainly linked to Moscow" had attempted to compromise his phone, email, and bank accounts. Labour Party Chair Anna Turley has now written to Farage, demanding he confirm whether this was reported to police or a security body. If he fails to respond within 24 hours, Labour says it will take steps to ensure an investigation proceeds.
Turley's Letter
In her letter, Ms Turley stated: "I note that public reporting does not appear to confirm that this matter has been reported either to the police or to the National Cyber Security Centre. Instead, the reports state that you privately commissioned analysis from unnamed 'counter-espionage experts', who concluded that 'hostile state actors, almost certainly linked to Moscow, had used spear phishing tactics' to compromise your phone, email, and bank accounts."
She added: "Quite apart from the implications for you personally, the alleged crime is an incredibly serious one with potential wider implications for Britain’s national security, the integrity of our politics, and public confidence in our democratic system. It is therefore essential that any evidence of hostile-state hacking or foreign interference is placed in the hands of the proper authorities, so that it can be fully and independently investigated."
Parliamentary Scrutiny
Mr Farage did not declare the gift in the register of members' interests, having received it just before he was elected as an MP in the 2024 election. Under Commons rules, newly elected MPs must declare financial interests covering the previous 12 months. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is now examining whether Mr Farage breached those obligations. Separately, the Electoral Commission is considering whether to open its own investigation. Mr Harborne, a British businessman based in Thailand, donated £12 million to Reform UK last year.
Reform UK's Response
Responding to the demands, a Reform spokesperson claimed the matter had been reported but did not specify to whom. They said: "It has been reported to the relevant authorities. It would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing."
