Reform UK has garnered over £9 million in donations during the initial quarter of this year, with an additional £3 million contribution coming from a businessman based in Thailand. Electoral Commission data reveals that Nigel Farage’s party is significantly surpassing other political rivals in fundraising through private donations.
The most substantial donation came from Christopher Harborne, a crypto tycoon, who provided £3 million in cash to Reform UK in January. Notably, this occurred just before the government limited overseas donations to £100,000 in March. Harborne has contributed a total of £15.4 million to Reform UK since 2020. Recent revelations include a £5 million “gift” received by Mr. Farage from Harborne in 2024, now under investigation by Parliament’s ethics watchdog for non-disclosure. Initially portrayed as a personal security gift, Farage later suggested it was a reward for his Brexit advocacy.
Another significant donor to Reform UK was cryptocurrency entrepreneur Ben Delo, who transferred £4 million to the party and is relocating from Hong Kong to the UK. Delo, a British billionaire recently pardoned by Donald Trump, highlighted Reform UK as a group focused on addressing Britain’s challenges earnestly.
In contrast, Labour and the Conservatives raised £4 million and £4.2 million, respectively, during the same period. The Green Party received only £263,884 in donations, while the Liberal Democrats obtained £3,019,235. Last year, it was revealed that approximately £15 million of the £18.6 million donated to Reform came from individuals with offshore ties, representing nearly 80% of the total funds.
Responding to the donation figures, a Labour Party Spokesperson emphasized the need for transparency in political funding, calling for stringent regulations to prevent undue influence. The Electoral Commission’s Director of Regulation, Jackie Killeen, acknowledged the importance of transparency in the political finance system, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms to bolster donation controls and enhance public trust.
Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption, raised concerns about the influx of significant funds into British politics, highlighting potential influence peddling. Hawley emphasized the necessity of the Representation of the People Bill to enhance transparency and accountability in political financing, ensuring a fair and equitable political system for all citizens.