Nigel Farage has admitted that his close friend, the convicted fraudster George Cottrell, allowed him to use one of his London homes and covered the costs of social media filming ahead of the last general election. However, the Reform UK leader insisted this support was 'totally undeclarable in every single way'.
Farage Details Support from Cottrell and Harborne
In an in-depth interview with the Triggernometry podcast, Farage spoke publicly for the first time about his relationship with Cottrell and a £5 million gift from Thailand-based businessman Christopher Harborne. He acknowledged that the parliamentary standards system could potentially rule against him, but claimed he had consulted a 'top international lawyer' who advised that the £5 million did not require declaration because it was unconditional.
Regarding Cottrell, Farage stated that his friend had provided nothing since his election in July 2024. He argued that any financial support before that date was 'irrelevant' and unrelated to his political activities.
Donation from Cottrell's Mother Under Investigation
Farage also claimed that his party was being unfairly targeted over a £500,000 donation from Cottrell's mother, Fiona, which is currently under police investigation to determine if she is the true source of the funds. In an apparent slip, Farage initially referred to it as a donation from Cottrell himself before correcting himself. He suggested the timing of the story was part of a coordinated effort to undermine Reform UK.
'The idea that his donation – it was his mother's donation – this was reported to the NCA in September 2024. The police followed up in the spring of 2025. Why is it now a story? It's now a story because everything is being coordinated together to try and knock us out of the game,' Farage said.
Standards Commissioner Investigation and Byelection
Farage's support in kind from Cottrell and the £5 million from Harborne are under investigation by the standards commissioner for potential failure to register. Financial support must be declared within 12 months of an MP's election if linked to political activities. Farage has called a byelection in his Clacton constituency, though major parties are boycotting it. He could face a second byelection if the commissioner's penalty triggers a recall petition.
Farage Defends Loyalty to Cottrell
Farage defended his loyalty to Cottrell, describing him as an 'enormously colourful character' and a member of his inner circle. On Cottrell's 2017 US conviction for fraud, Farage said: 'George, as a young man, got into trouble in America. If you are involved in tax avoidance schemes, it is very easy in America to get into very, very big trouble.'
Further Scrutiny on Reform UK Donations
Reform UK is also under scrutiny over £1 million sent by Fiona Cottrell before the last election to Britain Means Business, a company controlled by deputy leader Richard Tice. Of this, £500,000 was later transferred to Reform UK. The Guardian reported that the money was routed via a UK bank account of Australian money exchange platform Oneify. The Sunday Times revealed that George Cottrell opened an account with Oneify in May 2024. When asked if Cottrell transferred money to his mother before her donations, his lawyers at Carter-Ruck stated: 'Our client has confirmed his instructions that any donations by his mother have been entirely her own decision.' Fiona Cottrell has declined to comment.
