Parliament significantly reduced the security detail for Nigel Farage from eight taxpayer-funded bodyguards to one, plus a driver, approximately a year after he was elected as an MP in July 2024. The reduction followed a review by Parliament's then head of security, Alison Giles.
Farage's election campaign in Clacton was marked by threats, including an incident where he was doused with a milkshake, prompting the initial, more substantial protection detail. However, after 12 months, the offered security was deemed inadequate by a Reform UK spokesman, who stated that only one bodyguard and one driver would have endangered Farage's life. The party reported that Farage declined this "downgraded and inadequate package," with donors stepping in to ensure his security needs were met.
The revelation comes amid scrutiny of Farage's finances and protection. Earlier in 2024, it emerged that he had secretly accepted a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne in April 2024, prior to his election. Farage had initially stated the funds were for his security and later claimed the money was given to ensure his "safe and secure for the rest of my life," adding that he had unsuccessfully sought Home Office funding for security in the past.
Parliament's standards commissioner had been investigating whether Farage breached MP rules by not declaring this gift. However, the inquiry has been paused following Farage's decision to step down as MP for Clacton to contest a by-election. The by-election has seen a lack of major party candidates, leaving Farage to compete against niche figures.
Farage recently addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) GB, where he discussed the by-election and criticized the main parties for not fielding candidates, labeling them a "uniparty." He also referred to the recent death of former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe as a "horrific, political, premeditated murder," a sentiment echoed by other Reform UK members who have argued for increased party protection. In response to these concerns, Farage has accepted an offer for a meeting with the Home Secretary regarding the oversight of security for public figures.