Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating Sky News over claims made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage that the broadcaster sent reporters to a house where his adult daughter lives. Farage alleged that Sky News reporters approached his daughter's home while he was out of the country.
Sky News has stated it did not interact with Farage's daughter and was attempting to question him about a £5 million gift he received from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne before entering Parliament in July 2024. The broadcaster said it approached the property without a camera operator, identified itself as Sky News, and an occupant chose not to engage. Sky News added that this is a routine journalistic practice for matters of public interest.
Farage, who was recently re-elected as the MP for Clacton, has faced scrutiny over the undeclared gift. A parliamentary standards investigation into whether the gift breached rules resumed earlier this month. Upon his return to the country, Farage was questioned by Sky News regarding the donation. He reportedly responded by warning of "serious consequences" if his family were further harassed.
Ofcom has stated that it treats complaints in strict confidence and does not publicly confirm the identities of individuals concerned in any investigations. The regulator aims to conclude fairness and privacy complaints within 90 working days.