Farage received £5m from donor before he became MP

Nigel Farage received a £5 million personal gift from Reform UK mega donor Christopher Harborne before he became a Member of Parliament, raising questions over compliance with parliamentary rules. Farage said the money was intended to fund personal protection to ensure his safety following threats, including a firebomb attack on his home last year. The gift does not appear on Farage’s register of interests, prompting criticism from both Labour and Conservative parties, with the latter referring the matter to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. Christopher Harborne, a British cryptocurrency investor based in Thailand, donated a total of £12 million to Reform UK in 2025, including a £9 million donation last year, marking the largest single donation by a living individual to a UK political party. Harborne has also previously donated to the Conservative Party. Reform UK sources confirmed the £5 million gift was made in early 2024, before Farage was elected as MP for Clacton and became Reform UK leader in June 2024. The party maintains the gift was unconditional and personal, and therefore did not require declaration under parliamentary rules. The Commons code of conduct requires new MPs to register financial interests and benefits received within 12 months prior to election within one month of taking office. Labour Party chair Anna Turley accused Farage of rule-breaking, while Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake criticized Reform UK for allegedly disregarding transparency requirements and questioned why Farage’s security funding was not declared. Reform UK responded by accusing the Conservatives of endangering Farage’s safety by failing to provide state-funded protection during their time in government. Farage explained that Harborne’s concern for his security arose after a milkshake was thrown at him during a 2019 campaign event. He expressed skepticism about receiving state support for personal protection, emphasizing his reliance on private funding for his safety going forward. The controversy highlights ongoing scrutiny over political donations, transparency, and the safety of high-profile political figures amid rising threats.