Watchdog Concludes Probe Into Nigel Farage's £5 Million Gift
The parliamentary standards watchdog has finished its investigation into an undeclared £5 million donation received by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, with a decision on potential sanctions 'imminent'.
Nigel Farage faces an imminent decision from a standards watchdog regarding an undeclared £5 million donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne. Sources indicate that the inquiry into the gift has concluded, and it is expected to find that the Reform UK leader should have publicly declared the funds.
If the parliamentary standards commissioner rules that Farage breached Westminster rules, he could face a significant Commons suspension, potentially triggering a second by-election within months. This outcome could ignite backlash from Reform supporters, especially given Farage's claim that the donation was intended for his personal security amid threats.
Farage previously stated he was under no obligation to declare the gift, received in early 2024 before he became a Member of Parliament. He asserted the funds were for his personal protection for the remainder of his life. He confirmed receiving the money in April.
The case was referred to the standards commissioner after Labour and the Conservatives highlighted that the MPs' code of conduct requires new MPs to register all current financial interests and any registrable benefits received in the 12 months prior to their election.
Earlier this summer, Farage resigned his Clacton seat, urging voters to be his judge and asserting he had done nothing wrong. Following his subsequent re-election with no major party candidates opposing him, the standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, resumed his inquiry.
Sources suggest Greenberg has completed his report and forwarded his conclusion to the standards committee, which will determine any sanctions. A Commons suspension of ten days or more could activate 'recall' provisions, forcing Farage into another by-election. However, some insiders believe that both Labour and the Conservatives might prefer to avoid giving Farage another opportunity to appeal to his constituents.
Separately, on Friday, Joshua Kerry was charged with a terror plot against Farage, accused of murdering former Reform spokeswoman Ann Widdecombe in July. Reform deputy leader Richard Tice expressed shock at the new allegations, noting that Ms. Widdecombe's death had heightened security awareness. He also commented that those around Mr. Farage felt he had not always been believed or listened to.
Neither Daniel Greenberg nor Reform UK have commented on the ongoing situation.