Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a fierce attack on Nigel Farage, declaring the Reform UK leader is not 'fit to lead our country' after a former close ally was jailed for accepting pro-Russian bribes.
The political firestorm erupted after Nathan Gill, a former MEP and one-time senior figure in Reform UK, was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for eight counts of bribery.
A 'Shocking' Betrayal and a Demand for Answers
Speaking to broadcasters at the G20 summit, a visibly angry Mr Starmer described the sentence as 'shocking' and directly challenged Mr Farage to account for the scandal. 'He should get up today,' the Prime Minister told the BBC. 'He's usually got plenty to say... he should set up an inquiry, an investigation into his own party.'
Mr Starmer demanded answers on how such a 'grave betrayal' occurred under Mr Farage's leadership and what other links might exist between his party and Russia. He directly linked the issue to fitness for high office, stating, 'Anybody who fails to call out racism, anyone who is pro Russia is not fit to lead our country.'
The Court Case: Bribes for a Pro-Russian Agenda
The Old Bailey heard how Gill, 52, accepted thousands of pounds from Oleg Voloshyn, a tycoon described by the US government as a 'pawn' of the Russian security services. In a sophisticated scheme, Gill delivered scripted speeches and pushed a pro-Russian agenda on television during his time as an MEP.
WhatsApp messages discovered by counter-terrorism officers revealed the illicit dealings, with payments referred to as 'Xmas gifts'. The court was told Gill promised to bring fellow Brexit Party MPs to a presentation by Vladimir Putin ally Victor Medvedchuk.
Jailing him, Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Gill had 'fundamentally compromised the integrity of a supranational legislative body' and committed a 'grave betrayal' of his voters, motivated by financial and political gain.
Political Fallout and National Security Concerns
The sentencing has triggered a wave of condemnation across the political spectrum. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey responded forcefully, stating, 'A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary. Nigel Farage and his party are a danger to national security.'
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns branded Gill's actions 'a disgrace' and demanded Reform launch a thorough investigation. 'To take money from an autocratic regime that is causing thousands of casualties on an unprecedented scale is unacceptable, and we must weed it out,' he said.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said Gill had 'used his privileged position in public office to advance the malign interests of Russia over those of the UK', calling it a betrayal of the country and its people.
In response, a Reform UK spokesman said: 'Mr Gill's actions were reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable. We are glad that justice has been served.' Mr Farage has previously described Gill as a 'bad apple' and said he was 'shocked' by the guilty pleas.
