The British parliamentary sleaze watchdog has launched an investigation into hard-right politician Nigel Farage over his failure to disclose a £5 million gift from a billionaire donor to his party, UK media reported on Wednesday.
Probe Amid Tighter Rules
The probe comes as the parliament has tightened regulations on political donations and follows Farage's anti-immigration Reform UK party's significant gains in local elections. The investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner concerns a gift from Thailand-based aviation entrepreneur and crypto investor Christopher Harborne, who donated £12 million to Reform UK last year.
Farage and Reform UK have stated that the £5 million was not declared because it was a personal gift intended for his personal security, a claim corroborated by Harborne. The probe has been initiated by Daniel Greenberg, the parliamentary commissioner for standards, who investigates alleged breaches of the MPs' code of conduct and registers.
Conservative Party Referral
The Telegraph reported that the opposition Conservative Party had referred Farage to the watchdog. If found to have breached rules, Farage could face penalties including suspension from the House of Commons.
A Reform UK spokesman said in a statement: "Farage has always been clear that this was a personal, unconditional gift and no rules were broken." The spokesman added that Farage is in touch with the commissioner and "we look forward to this being put to bed once and for all."
Details of the Gift
The Guardian revealed the gift in an article last month, ahead of council elections. It reported that Harborne gave the money to Farage shortly before he announced a return to front-line politics in 2024, raising questions over whether the money was for political purposes and should have been declared. The Guardian stated that the gift was received weeks before Farage announced his decision to stand for election as an MP, after previously stating he would not do so.
New MPs are required to register any money received in the 12 months before their election unless it cannot be "reasonably" seen as linked to political activities.
Tighter Rules on Donations
The UK government this year tightened rules around political donations from people abroad, halting donations made through cryptocurrencies and capping donations from UK citizens living abroad at £100,000. A single donation of £9 million from Harborne to Reform UK in August last year was the largest ever single donation by a living person to a British political party. Harborne previously donated to Farage's Brexit Party and the Conservative Party.
Farage registered a £25,000 donation from Harborne in February to pay for a "humanitarian aid mission" to the Maldives. Last year, Harborne gave Farage over £27,000 to attend Donald Trump's inauguration. Farage has also declared earnings from media appearances, articles, and travel paid for by supporters.
Previous Investigations
Last year, Farage was investigated over late registration of payments for television presenting and speaking engagements. He apologised for an "administrative error," and the commissioner concluded this was inadvertent.
Reform UK gained almost 1,500 seats in local elections in England this month, highlighting the party's growing influence.
