Nigel Farage is under investigation for accepting a £5 million gift from a billionaire based in Thailand without disclosing it. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, will look into the matter following revelations that Farage received the substantial amount from Christopher Harborne just before the 2024 general election. Farage claims the money was used for his security expenses.
Questions have arisen as it was disclosed that Farage received the money from Harborne before announcing his candidacy as an MP. Farage’s party, Reform, asserts that the funds were a personal, unconditional gift, thus negating any obligation for disclosure.
Additionally, the Electoral Commission is considering launching a separate investigation, with an announcement expected by the week’s end. If found to have breached parliamentary rules, Farage could face suspension, potentially triggering a recall petition if the suspension exceeds ten days, necessitating a by-election in his Clacton constituency.
Parliamentary guidelines mandate that new MPs must declare any relevant gifts or donations received within 12 months before taking office. The £5 million was granted to Farage by Harborne shortly before his candidacy announcement in 2024.
Labour Party chair Anna Turley criticized Farage for evading inquiries concerning the billionaire backer’s gift, emphasizing the importance of a thorough investigation. She further criticized Farage and Reform for what she perceives as a double standard in their conduct.
Harborne, also known as Chakrit Sakunkrit in Thailand, has been a significant donor to Reform, contributing over £22 million in the past seven years. He previously supported Farage’s travel to Donald Trump’s inauguration with a donation of £27,616.76.
Moreover, Harborne donated £25,000 to Farage in February for a humanitarian mission to the Maldives. Farage’s attempt to visit the Chagos Islands was met with entry restrictions, requiring a permit.
The 62-year-old businessman has also supported the Tories and Boris Johnson, donating £1 million to Johnson in 2022. Harborne, a Sheffield native, has investments in various global businesses and was an early investor in cryptocurrencies.
Farage maintains that Harborne’s donations to Reform are altruistic and come with no strings attached. In a recent interview, Farage’s deputy, Richard Tice, declined to comment on whether Farage had received undisclosed multi-million pound gifts from other wealthy donors.
A Reform UK spokesperson stated that Farage’s office is in contact with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, emphasizing that the £5 million gift was personal and unconditional, with no breach of rules.
This is not the first instance where Farage’s financial dealings have been questioned. Last year, reports surfaced suggesting hypocrisy after Farage’s partner purchased a residence in Clacton for nearly £900,000. Farage defended the transaction, stating that his partner had used her own funds for the purchase.
