Nigel Farage's Income Since Becoming MP Reaches £2 Million
Nigel Farage's income since being elected as an MP has now reached £2 million on top of his parliamentary salary, according to analysis of the register of MPs' financial interests. The Reform UK leader's earning power places him among a small group of MPs who have leveraged their status for external income, drawing comparisons to Boris Johnson, who made approximately £5 million in the six months after resigning as prime minister.
The analysis by the investigations website DeSmog shows that Farage has registered more than £2 million in financial interests since July 2024, when he was elected as the MP for Clacton. These figures come amid growing scrutiny of Farage's wealth after The Guardian revealed last week that he received a £5 million gift from the party's mega-donor Christopher Harborne prior to the 2024 general election. Farage did not declare this gift, potentially violating parliamentary rules.
Farage Defends Non-Disclosure
Farage has stated that he had no need to declare the money, describing it as "an unconditional, non-political, personal gift" used to pay for his security. However, Labour and the Conservatives have criticised the non-disclosure. On Wednesday, a senior Reform member admitted that the failure to declare the gift was frustrating. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the member said: "There's no question that Nigel is a rock star. And he has undoubtedly faced threats to his security. But we do need to make greater progress away from personality towards policy. I do wonder if this could have best been avoided by declaring it in the first place. It is a disappointing distraction."
Public Concern Over Donor Influence
A poll published by the New Statesman on Wednesday indicated that the disclosure of the gift is causing alarm among voters. A Survation poll for 38 Degrees found that more than two-thirds of the British public (68%) are concerned that the gift could give Harborne "inappropriate influence" over Farage's political decisions and priorities. MPs and candidates for Reform were provided with "lines to take" in media interviews, emphasising the security threats Farage faces and that the gift was unconditional and personal, thus not requiring declaration on the register of members' interests.
Internal Disquiet at Reform UK
The news of the £5 million gift has created an atmosphere of disquiet within Reform UK headquarters, according to two staffers who spoke on condition of anonymity. One described a "paranoid vibe" with constant fears about a high-level mole after the news report. The insiders also mentioned that individuals were questioned about how The Guardian discovered the gift. People were "pulled aside for interrogation," the second staffer said.
The Electoral Commission is investigating a complaint from the Conservative party regarding the money. Reform UK maintains that it was an unconditional gift to Farage, who was then the party's honorary president and had not publicly committed to standing for parliament. The party said he used the funds for security arrangements.
Parliamentary Rules and Farage's Stance
Parliamentary rules state that any benefits received within 12 months before taking office should be declared, depending on whether they are for political or personal purposes. The rules add: "If there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered." Farage has doubled down on his assertions that there was no need to declare the gift. He said on Tuesday that the money was "purely private" and "wasn't political in any sense at all." He added: "And believe you me, we've looked at this from every legal angle, there is no obligation to declare something that is an unconditional, non-political, personal gift. And it will ensure I can be safe for the rest of my life."
Sources of Income
Farage's principal employer outside parliament has been the right-wing broadcaster GB News, which has paid him £700,000 since July 2024. He registered another £40,662 from the outlet last week. He also listed a new gift from South African businessman Avi Lasarow, who gave the Reform leader three tickets to a boxing match on 4 April worth £1,749.
Kamila Kingstone, a senior campaign lead at Spotlight on Corruption, said: "That Farage has amassed £2 million from personal earnings and gifts while a sitting member of parliament should concern anyone who thinks an MP's job is to represent their constituents. It's a systemic issue and highlights a wider failure of the rules that are supposed to ensure integrity in public life. It risks blurring the lines between public service and private interests, creating the perception that some politicians are in it for themselves."
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.
