Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing an investigation by the Commons sleaze watchdog over a £5 million gift from a party donor.
Mr Farage was referred to Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg over the undeclared gift from Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne received in 2024.
The Reform leader has previously insisted there is “no case to answer” over the gift, which he said was not connected to his political activity and was needed to pay for private security for the rest of his life.
He is reported to have received the money in 2024 before he announced he would stand in Clacton at that year’s general election.
The Press Association understands the commissioner has opened an investigation under rule five of the MPs’ code of conduct, which specifies new MPs should register relevant financial interests received in the 12 months before their election within one month of entering Parliament.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage believes he has not broken any rules (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
PA Wire
A Reform UK spokesman said: “Mr Farage’s office is in communications with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
“He has always been clear that this was a personal, unconditional gift and no rules were broken.
“We look forward to this being put to bed once and for all.”
Mr Harborne has separately donated millions to Reform, including a £9 million donation in August 2025 – the biggest single donation in history to a political party from a living person.
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley said: “Nigel Farage has been avoiding legitimate questions since news of his billionaire backer’s ‘gift’.
“It’s right that he faces a proper investigation.”
Naz Shah joked about the donation as she formally moved Wednesday’s King’s Speech in the Commons, to mark the start of the parliamentary session.
The Labour MP said Mr Farage “could pay a visit” to her Bradford West constituency to treat Reform UK councillors “to a good curry followed by a pint”.
She told the Commons: “In fact, given the size of his recent gift that we are now all well aware of, he could probably take half of Bradford out and still be left with plenty of change.”
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “£5 million is an enormous amount, more than most people will earn in a lifetime. Nigel Farage needs to explain how he got it, why he got it, and why he didn’t declare it.
“If there is a simple answer then he should welcome these investigations. But like so often with Reform, there is something very fishy about the whole story.”
On Sunday, Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice said the £5 million was “probably not enough” to keep Mr Farage safe.
He told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “The rules are very clear and Nigel has complied with the rules.”
Pressed on whether any of the cash was spent on other political activity, Mr Tice said: “Nigel’s safety and security is absolutely paramount. And I know, because I spend a lot of time with Nigel, that frankly £5 million is probably not enough.”
He added it was “a personal gift based around safety and security”.
