Nigel Farage has admitted he received a personal gift of £5 million from Reform UK mega-donor Christopher Harborne shortly before the 2024 general election. The Reform leader did not disclose the gift at the time and had made no mention of it until Wednesday, when the Daily Telegraph published a story in which Farage acknowledged receiving the money, stating it was for his personal security.
Disclosure After Guardian Investigation
The Guardian had been researching Reform and its finances for months, leading to the discovery of the £5 million gift. When approached for comment on Monday, Farage and Harborne's representatives initially delayed responding. On Wednesday, the Telegraph published Farage's admission, in what appears to be an attempt to control the narrative.
Questions Over Security Claim
Farage claimed the money was needed for personal security, citing a firebombing at his home. However, the firebombing occurred in 2025, after the gift was made. Prior to publication, neither Farage nor Harborne's representatives mentioned security as an issue. A Reform spokesperson later said the firebombing was "just one example" of security concerns.
Undisclosed Gift Raises Concerns
Critics question why the £5 million was not declared to the Electoral Commission or parliamentary authorities. Farage has received taxpayer-funded security since becoming MP for Clacton in July 2024, but a Reform spokesperson said he received no such funding. Labour and the Conservatives have called for an investigation, with the Tories referring Farage to the parliamentary standards commissioner.
Labour chair Anna Turley said: "Nigel Farage appears to have broken the rules again by failing to declare this cash from his billionaire backer." Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake added: "This stinks and Reform should come clean now."
Under House of Commons rules, MPs must declare any personal benefit received 12 months before taking office unless it is a "purely personal gift." The guidance states that both the motive of the giver and the use of the gift should be considered, and if there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered.
