Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing renewed scrutiny over his finances following reports that he failed to declare significant support from an ally. The reports allege undeclared donations and support from businessman Daniel Cottrell and a substantial sum from another individual.
According to reports, Farage registered a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024, donated by Cottrell, before he became a Member of Parliament. He also registered a £15,276 donation from Cottrell for a U.S. domestic flight in December 2024. However, further support from Cottrell and a reported £5 million received from another individual, identified as Robert Harborne, have not been declared.
Farage has stated that he has followed the rules and is the victim of an "establishment hit job." He has argued that he was not required to declare the £5 million sum from Harborne, which he said he earmarked for his future security costs, asserting that the gift was unconditional and he has not yet spent the money.
Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick commented that Cottrell had provided support for Farage's staffing and security costs prior to him becoming an MP. Jenrick stated that accepting a gift or support from a personal friend in a purely personal capacity before becoming a Member of Parliament is permissible under the rules.
Lawyers for Cottrell have reportedly disputed allegations in the reporting and are reviewing the matter. Farage has yet to address media questions directly regarding the support detailed in the reports.