Farage questioned over claim of second standards probe
Reform UK leader’s assertion that a new inquiry was underway appears to have outpaced the parliamentary standards commissioner, who has yet to decide whether to widen the scope of the existing investigation.
Nigel Farage has faced scrutiny over his July claim that a second parliamentary standards investigation into his finances was underway, a statement made as he resigned his seat. The Reform UK leader argued that the standards system had become a “political tool” and that “yet another standards investigation is under way.” He suggested he wanted the people of Clacton to judge his actions rather than “the establishment,” following revelations that his friend and convicted fraudster George Cottrell had paid for social media work, accommodation, and security before the 2024 election.
However, Westminster sources indicate that the parliamentary standards commissioner had not launched a separate investigation or widened the scope of the existing one at the time of Farage’s resignation. The commissioner is believed to have still been assessing the information as recently as two weeks ago, when the inquiry was reopened following Farage’s return as MP for Clacton with an increased majority. The commissioner’s current list of investigations includes only the one launched in May, which concerns a £5m gift from Thailand-based donor Christopher Harborne that was not declared on the MPs’ register of interests.
The initial investigation was paused when Farage called a byelection on 7 July. At least two complaints were submitted in July regarding Farage’s funding by Cottrell. Critics argue that some of the social media videos paid for by Cottrell were political in nature, campaigning on immigration issues, and should have been declared under rules requiring donations related to politics to be registered in the 12 months before an MP is elected. Farage has maintained that the videos were personal, likening his pre-election role to that of an influencer.
The standards commissioner is reportedly seeking further evidence that Farage broke the rules in relation to the Cottrell donations. There is no official confirmation that the inquiry has been widened to include these payments. If the commissioner finds a breach of the rules and the standards committee recommends a sanction of more than 10 days of suspension, Farage could face a second byelection. Conversely, if there is no second investigation or widened scope, the initial probe into the Harborne gift could conclude sooner than expected.
Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, stated that the questions surrounding the £5m gift and the Cottrell donations “simply aren’t going away.” He noted that Farage had tried to “run away” with his byelection but can no longer hide from the issues, urging him to “come clean” as the public deserves answers.
As he was sworn in again on Tuesday, Farage told GB News that he planned to spend less time in parliament, leaving more Westminster work to Reform deputy leader Richard Tice while he tours the country. He is expected to address the focus on his finances at the Reform party conference at the end of this week, where he will set his priorities for the year ahead.
