Nigel Farage has not been seen at a Reform UK event for six days, raising questions about his whereabouts as the party gears up for what could be the most significant byelection in decades. The Reform leader cancelled a scheduled appearance at a rally in Sunderland, a key target in Labour's heartlands, with the party citing chaos in government and an impending Labour leadership race.
His continued absence has become increasingly stark for a politician who has recently seemed almost omnipresent. Reform UK did not respond when contacted about Farage's location. The silence comes amid an investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog into a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Farage initially said the money was for security, but later described it as a reward for his Brexit campaigning.
It was revealed last week that Farage bought a £1.4m property in cash shortly after receiving the gift. He claimed the Surrey house was paid for with his £1.5m fee from appearing on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, but accounts for his media company, Thorn in the Side Ltd, suggest the money was not withdrawn at the time of purchase.
On Tuesday, Farage was absent when Reform announced Robert Kenyon as its candidate for the Makerfield byelection, where the party will face Andy Burnham. Kenyon's candidacy was revealed on social media, with Farage posting a three-line tweet praising him as "The plucky plumber taking on open borders Burnham".
The party has also undergone a reshuffle, with David Bull replaced as chair by Lee Anderson. Bull will focus on standing at the next election, according to a press release. Separately, the role of treasurer Charlton Edwards as director and secretary of Reform UK party Ltd has been terminated.
Reform activists have been canvassing in Makerfield for several days. As the campaign intensifies, it will become harder to excuse the leader's non-involvement.
