Farage retracts security claim for £5m gift, citing Brexit campaign reward
The parliamentary standards commissioner is examining whether the undeclared funds from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne breached the code of conduct, as Labour alleges a conflict of interest over a subsequent property purchase.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has provided a revised explanation for a £5m gift received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, stating the sum was a reward for his 27-year campaign for Brexit. This account directly contradicts previous assertions that the funds were provided for his personal security and were purely private in nature. The shift in narrative has intensified scrutiny over the donation, which is now under formal investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner.
In an interview with the Sun on Thursday, Farage described the gift as being given on an unconditional basis but motivated by his long-standing political efforts. He dismissed suggestions that the money influenced his decision to return to public life, asserting that he could not be bought by anyone. The Reform UK leader also rejected reports that he had generated nearly £2m in additional income since becoming an MP, stating that such earnings were a source of no concern to him.
The gift was first revealed by the Guardian and has prompted a review under rule 5 of the code of conduct for MPs, which mandates the conscientious registration of financial interests. MPs are required to declare any benefits received in the 12 months preceding their election within one month of winning their seats. Farage expressed no concern regarding the parliamentary standards investigation or a potential inquiry by the Electoral Commission, maintaining that the matter was unrelated to the latter body.
Labour has accused Farage of a conflict of interest, pointing to a £1.4m cash house purchase made shortly after he received the funds. Anna Turley, the chair of the Labour party, called for Farage to explain what the money was used for and why it was not declared, alleging a cover-up. Turley highlighted that the purchase occurred within weeks of the gift, as reported by Sky News and the Guardian, and argued that the timing suggested a quid pro quo arrangement.
Reform UK has contested the Labour allegations, clarifying that the property transaction was already in progress before the gift was received. A spokesperson stated that proof of funds and relevant checks for the house purchase were completed prior to Farage receiving the £5m. The party maintains that the purchase proceeded independently of the donation, despite the close temporal proximity of the two events.