Nigel Farage has disclosed that he was the victim of a firebombing attack at his residence last year. The Reform UK leader revealed to The Telegraph that an incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox in what he described as an outright arson attempt.
Farage stated, "I wasn't at home at the time, but when I came back and opened the door I found the damage. Luckily it had burned itself out in the porch, and we think maybe the perpetrators were disturbed in the act." He added that no suspects have been identified so far, though police are thoroughly investigating the incident.
Security Funding from Billionaire Donor
The scale of threats has led to a significant personal gift from Christopher Harborne, a British billionaire residing in Thailand, to cover Farage's security expenses. The Telegraph reports the gift amounts to approximately £5 million. Harborne has recently drawn attention for donating over £12 million to Reform UK, including a record-breaking £9 million single donation last December, the largest by a living person to a UK political party in history.
Farage explained, "I have tried and failed in the past to get security funded by the Home Office and I don't think the state will ever help me. I'm very much on my own and will be for the rest of my life, and I have to face up to that grim reality." He described Harborne as "an ardent supporter who is deeply concerned for my safety."
Personal Gift Not Taxed or Declared
Since the money for security was a personal gift, it does not count as a political donation and therefore was not taxed or declared. The Clacton MP has previously voiced concerns for his safety following several incidents where milkshakes were thrown at him. He said he had not earlier disclosed the arson attack on his home because he feared it would necessitate further increasing his security.
Farage's revelation comes amid heightened security concerns for public figures in the UK.
