Nigel Farage has defended a £5m gift from a crypto billionaire, stating it is "a purely private matter" and that he can spend it on anything, including Ferraris or betting on horses. The Reform UK leader made the remarks in two radio interviews on Tuesday, brushing off questions about the donation from British Thai-based businessman Christopher Harborne.
Farage's Response to Questions
In an appearance on LBC Radio, Farage told the presenter: "With all due respect, what's it got to do with you? It's an unconditional gift. I can spend it on Ferraris if I want. That'd be entirely up to me," adding, "I can do what I want with it. I can put it on the horses."
When challenged about why he initially said the money was for personal security and later described it as a reward for Brexit, Farage explained: "Because it was given as an unconditional gift, right? The understanding is, and you know very well, I've been physically more attacked over many years than any other politician."
Investigation by Standards Commissioner
The £5m gift is under investigation by parliament's standards commissioner, as it was handed over in the months before Farage returned as an MP in 2024, leading to accusations that it should have been declared. In an earlier interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Farage said it was not hypocritical to have attacked Keir Starmer for receiving donations of glasses and suits, because Starmer was "the leader of the opposition and I was a presenter on GB News."
Farage on Crypto and Brexit
Farage denied being paid to promote cryptocurrency interests, saying he already supported changing the law. He told BBC Radio 4: "Number one, I wasn't in politics. Number two, I don't believe there's anything in the rules that says I had to declare it. Number three, of course, it is being investigated by standards, so perhaps I'd better not say too much." He added that even if London became a centre for crypto trading, it would be a minor part of the global market.
On the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote, Farage said he did not regret the decision but criticised politicians for not implementing the public's wishes. "I do not regret it at all. I do not regret independence. I do not regret getting back the ability to make our own decisions on regulation, immigration, global trade partners," he said.
Political Reactions
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds expressed disappointment that an EU summit was rearranged due to the Labour leadership change but backed Andy Burnham to succeed Keir Starmer, citing his performance as mayor of Greater Manchester and his ability to defeat Reform UK.
