In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party referred Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to a British Parliament watchdog on Wednesday over an undisclosed $6.7 million gift from crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne.
The gift had been previously undisclosed until the Guardian reported on it, although Farage got ahead of the story by granting an interview to a different British newspaper. Harborne, a British billionaire based in Thailand, offered about $6.7 million to cover Farage’s personal security in early 2024, before the right-wing leader was elected to Parliament. Harborne is the single largest donor for Reform, having donated a record $16 million since last year.
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The Tories made the referral to the parliamentary standards commissioner, citing rules requiring members of Parliament to disclose any “personal benefit” received in the year before taking office. Farage’s gift falls within that time frame, considering he was elected in July 2024. The opposition party is concerned he may have used the money for political activity.
The Labour Party backed the move, alleging Farage broke the rules by failing to disclose the gift. Reform insists otherwise.
“This was a personal unconditional gift that was given before he was elected,” a spokesperson for Farage’s party said. “We are confident everything has been declared in accordance with the rules.”
In March, the U.K. banned crypto donations to political parties over concerns of foreign influence. The ban could become relevant in light of the crypto billionaire’s donations to Farage and Reform.
Notably, the Daily Telegraph published an interview with Farage hours before the Guardian published its exclusive story on the seven-figure personal gift.
In the interview, Farage revealed for the first time that his home was firebombed early last year. He cited the alleged incident as a reason he needs extra funds for security.
“This money was given to me so that I would be safe and secure for the rest of my life,” Farage said. “I have tried and failed in the past to get security funded by the Home Office, and I don’t think the state will ever help me. I’m very much on my own and will be for the rest of my life, and I have to face up to that grim reality. Christopher is an ardent supporter who is deeply concerned for my safety.”
The arson attempt was caused by a petrol bomb that someone pushed through his letterbox. No suspects have been found since then, he said. He wasn’t home at the time of the incident.
Farage explained that he didn’t publicize the alleged attack at the time because he feared his personal security would have to be ramped up to deter further threats.
“I’m acutely aware of the love for me, but equally the levels of antipathy that exist,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “Sometimes things happen when there are cameras there, but there are plenty of times when things don’t make the news, like pints of beer being thrown over me or the attack on my home.”
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“I would rather not be discussing any of this but I am having to because someone has got hold of material about my private finances, which is outrageous, and which I believe was illegally obtained,” he claimed.
The embattled British politician is touring the U.K. to campaign for his party ahead of the local elections on May 7. Reform is expected to win many races as the Labour government becomes less popular.
