Nigel Farage has been referred to parliament's standards watchdog after the Guardian revealed he received an undeclared £5m gift from a party donor. The referral was made by the Conservative party, citing rules that require MPs to declare any personal benefit received in the 12 months before taking office, within a month of being elected.
The gift from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne fell within that period. Some personal gifts are exempt if they could not reasonably be thought to be related to parliamentary or political activities, but the rules state both the motive of the giver and the use of the gift should be considered. Farage had stated he did not intend to stand as an MP but changed his mind in June 2024, weeks after receiving the gift.
A Reform UK spokesperson said the gift and Farage's decision to stand were entirely unrelated. Farage told the Daily Telegraph the gift was made because Harborne is an ardent supporter concerned for his safety. Farage has also received taxpayer-funded security since becoming an MP, though Reform said he does not receive state-funded security.
Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory party chair, said Farage was obliged to declare the gift and referred him to the standards commissioner. Labour's Anna Turley said it appeared Farage had broken the rules. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper called for an investigation into whether Farage promised anything in exchange for the money. Labour's Phil Brickell urged the standards commissioner to investigate urgently.
Lawyers for Harborne did not comment. A Reform UK spokesperson said the gift was a personal unconditional gift and did not need to be declared, adding that they have complied with all relevant rules.
