Reform leader Nigel Farage received an additional £270,000, nearly three times his parliamentary salary, for endorsing gold bullion. This payment, disclosed in his recent update to the MPs’ financial interests register, is the largest amount he has received for non-parliamentary work. Farage, who represents Clacton, earns a basic annual salary of approximately £98,000.
The payment from Direct Bullion, labeled as a “brand ambassador” role, was for approximately four hours of work per month over three months. Prior to this, Farage had declared two other payments from the same company: one for £91,200 in February 2025 and another for £135,000 in November of the previous year. Additionally, he reported earning £18,402 for around six hours of work on GB News.
A spokesperson for Farage clarified that he serves as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion, as previously disclosed. Recent reports by the Mirror highlighted Farage’s ownership of multiple properties, including a grade-II listed estate and a seaside residence purchased through his company Thorn in the Side Ltd.
In light of receiving a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne, Farage is facing scrutiny over whether he should have declared it. He has defended not disclosing the gift, citing it as a personal matter unrelated to his political endeavors. Despite various explanations for the gift, including its purpose for personal security and as a “reward” for his Brexit advocacy, the standards commissioner is investigating the matter.
During recent interviews, Farage defended the gift’s privacy and his right to spend it as he sees fit, even mentioning the possibility of using it for luxury purchases or gambling. When questioned about his differing explanations, he reiterated the gift’s unconditional nature and his autonomy in deciding how to utilize it.
Farage’s comments have sparked debate over the transparency of his financial affairs, with ongoing inquiries into the gift and his property holdings.