Nigel Farage is facing criticism for his substantial earnings from external sources, triggering accusations of unethical behavior as Members of Parliament debate the necessity of prohibiting second jobs.
As the head of Reform UK, Farage received £270,000 for a mere 12 hours spent endorsing gold bullion, accumulating over £2 million in earnings and gifts since taking office as an MP. This income supplements his MP salary of £98,599 for Clacton constituency.
There is widespread bipartisan disbelief at the permissibility of such actions, with calls for a ban on secondary employment, except under rare circumstances. During a parliamentary discussion, MPs highlighted Farage’s 16 external income declarations and 140 days’ worth of paid work since his election in July 2024, despite his absence during the debate.
Labour’s Richard Burgon, advocating for a ban, emphasized the responsibility of MPs to prioritize their constituents over personal gain, citing the privilege and well-paid nature of their role. Criticism was directed at Farage’s high earnings, including £270,000 for 12 hours as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion, surpassing the national living wage by a significant margin.
Farage’s declaration of £18,402 for six hours presenting on GB News further fueled the debate, with concerns raised about MPs prioritizing external work over their primary responsibilities. The issue has prompted discussions about tightening regulations on second jobs for MPs.
Green MP Dr. Ellie Chowns emphasized that MP duties should leave no time for secondary employment, expressing shock at Farage’s reported earnings and condemning the apparent focus on personal enrichment. The controversy surrounding Farage’s financial interests, particularly a £5 billion sum from a crypto billionaire, raised questions about compliance with parliamentary rules.
The Labour chair, Anna Turley, highlighted the need for immediate changes to rules governing MPs’ external earnings, pointing out the imbalance between lucrative secondary jobs and primary responsibilities. The ongoing investigation by the Commons Committee on Standards underscores the urgency of addressing issues related to MPs’ external income.
Reform UK has been approached for comment on the matter.