London, United Kingdom. Reform UK said it was talking to the parliamentary watchdog after a report that its leader Nigel Farage is being investigated over a 5 million pound gift he did not declare. The party said no rules had been broken.
Report and party response
The BBC reported that Reform was being investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over the donation. Reform, which was the biggest winner in local elections last week, confirmed it was discussing the matter.
A party spokesman said Farage had been clear the payment was a personal, unconditional gift and that no rules were broken, adding that the party looked forward to the issue being resolved.
Farage’s account of the gift
Farage has said he accepted the donation from Thailand-based billionaire and crypto investor Christopher Harborne to pay for his personal security before he announced his candidacy in the 2024 national election that brought him into parliament.
Farage said it was not a political donation. Rival political parties in April accused him of breaking rules that require members of parliament to declare donations received in the year preceding an election within one month of taking office.
Criticism and watchdog response
Opponents have said the funding from an overseas billionaire shows a gulf between Farage’s image as a man of the people willing to take on the establishment and his dependence on wealthy donors.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner’s Office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Potential consequences and wider scrutiny
If the investigation finds Farage committed a serious breach of parliamentary declaration rules, he could be suspended from the House of Commons for a period of time. A suspension of 10 days or more could trigger a recall petition, potentially forcing him to stand in a special election for his seat.
Reform has topped every national opinion poll since early last year, prompting increased scrutiny of the party’s sources of funding.
What impact could the investigation have on Reform UK’s approach to political donations and declarations?