Farage faces parliamentary watchdog investigation over £5m gift

David Hughes, Press Association Political Editor

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.

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.

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”.