Nigel Farage has accused critics of his financial dealings of engaging in a 'coordinated pile-on' to undermine Reform UK, as he faces two parliamentary standards inquiries over his funding sources. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London's Docklands, the Reform leader claimed he has been 'demonised' since the Guardian revealed in April that he received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the last election.
Farage decries 'dehumanisation' at CPAC speech
Addressing a rapturous audience at the rightwing CPAC GB event, Farage said: 'Americans will remember this playbook, won't they? This happened in America … I found myself and my colleagues being judged to be guilty, guilty every single day.' He also criticised Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, branding them leaders of the 'uniparty'. The conference featured hard-right figures including US influencer Jack Posobiec, who promoted the Pizzagate conspiracy theory.
Farage calls for immediate general election
On the day Burnham officially became Labour leader, Farage called him a 'dud' and demanded an immediate general election, saying: 'The British public have had enough of this game of musical chairs that is taking place in Downing Street.' He pointed to Reform's success in the Norfolk police and crime commissioner election, where Colin Sutton won with a majority of 14,299 on a 17% turnout, as evidence of the party's growing strength.
Farage defends Clacton byelection gamble
Farage, who quit as an MP triggering the Clacton byelection, said: 'I've taken a punt, because I like a gamble. The people of Clacton can decide whether they back me or whether they back the establishment.' His main opponent is Count Binface, after other parties boycotted the contest. Reform has urged activists to support Farage, calling the byelection a 'defining moment for our movement'.
Standards inquiries and donation controversy
Farage faces a standards inquiry for failing to disclose the £5m gift from Harborne, and another over alleged financial support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell. Separately, police are investigating a £37,500 donation to Reform's Robert Jenrick during his Conservative leadership campaign, amid claims it originated from a foreign donor. Jenrick denies any wrongdoing.
