Donald Trump has expressed support for Nigel Farage as the Reform UK leader faces a parliamentary investigation over financial assistance from a convicted criminal. The US President shared an article from The National Pulse titled “They’re Running the 2024 Anti-Trump Playbook on Nigel Farage” on his Truth Social platform.
Allegations of Undeclared Support
The Clacton MP claims he is the victim of an “establishment hit job” after The Sunday Times reported that George Cottrell, who was jailed for wire fraud in the US in 2017, funded security and staffing for Farage in the year before his 2024 election. Under parliamentary rules, new MPs must register gifts over £300 received in the previous 12 months unless unrelated to political activities.
Cottrell reportedly recruited and paid three staff for Farage’s social media before the general election and allowed him to use a rented five-storey Georgian property near Buckingham Palace. He remains a close adviser to Farage after volunteering for Ukip during the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Potential Consequences
The probe could lead to Farage’s suspension from the House of Commons or even a by-election in his Essex constituency. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have called on Parliament’s standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, to examine the support. Greenberg is already investigating a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley urged Farage to “level with the public” about the funding from Cottrell. Farage reacted angrily when approached by Sky News, saying, “You tell your bosses, you harass my family any more… serious consequences.” Sky stated it had not contacted Farage’s family.
Farage’s Response
Farage issued a statement asserting no wrongdoing: “I have done no wrongdoing, followed the rules and I am now considering legal action against The Sunday Times.” He added, “It’s now clear the establishment will stop at nothing to hurt Reform – we want to smash their cosy consensus.”
Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenkin described Cottrell as an “old friend” with “no formal role within Reform.” Two other Reform MPs, Richard Tice and Danny Kruger, face questions as they attend public events on Tuesday.
