Politics

Nigel Farage Investigated Over Undeclared £5M Gift from Crypto Billionaire

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is facing a formal investigation by the UK parliamentary standards watchdog over his failure to declare a £5 million gift from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The Commissioner opened the investigation under rule five of the MPs' code of conduct. Farage claims the money was intended for his personal security costs following threats and attacks, and therefore did not require declaration — a position Reform UK maintains. However, Labour and other parties argue that MPs must declare relevant gifts received within 12 months before entering parliament, and that the Harborne gift falls within these rules. If the investigation finds a particularly serious breach, Farage could face suspension from the Commons; a suspension of 10 days or more could trigger a recall petition, potentially forcing him to contest his Clacton seat again. Separately, Harborne has given Reform UK a further £3 million in 2026. The Conservative Party also wrote to the standards watchdog requesting the investigation.