Nigel Farage is under scrutiny regarding Reform UK’s assertion that he utilized his payment from participating in the show “I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here” to acquire a £1.4 million residence.
According to Reform UK, Mr. Farage allegedly bought a four-bedroom house in Surrey in May 2024 with funds from his appearance on “I’m a Celeb” in 2023. However, an evaluation of his personal media company, Thorn in the Side Ltd, by the FT indicated that the TV earnings were still recorded on the company’s financial statement.
The company’s funds saw a significant increase from £300,000 in May 2023 to £1.7 million in May 2024, with no dividends disbursed during this period, contrary to Mr. Farage’s previous statement that his show earnings were directed to Thorn in the Side.
Official land records reveal that Nigel Farage personally purchased the Surrey property without a mortgage, as opposed to the purchase being made through his company. Reform UK defended Farage, highlighting his diverse income sources as disclosed in his parliamentary register.
Tax expert Nimesh Shah, who reviewed the company’s accounts for the FT, suggested that the money from Farage’s TV appearance did not fund the house purchase, calling for clarification due to discrepancies between the company’s financial records and the stated claim.
The Parliamentary standards commissioner is investigating Mr. Farage for failing to declare a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne before buying the house. Parliamentary regulations mandate that new MPs declare significant gifts and donations within a year leading up to their election.
Reform has denied any link between the house acquisition and the payment from Harborne, emphasizing that money laundering checks were conducted before the gift was received. Labour chair Anna Turley criticized Farage, accusing him of self-interest and lacking concern for the working class.
This incident is not the first time Farage’s financial dealings have come into question. Previously, allegations of inconsistency were raised over the purchase of a property in Clacton, where he serves as an MP. Farage’s partner bought the house, incurring stamp duty costs, which he defended as being entirely her financial responsibility.
