Nigel Farage is facing renewed scrutiny over the purchase of his £885,000 Clacton house, with calls for him to provide clarity on the matter. Questions arose after revelations that Farage previously claimed his girlfriend, Laure Ferrari, acquired the property. In 2017, before their relationship began, Ferrari stayed with Farage, needing a place without financial burden, as reported by The Sunday Times.
Initially, Ferrari mentioned working as a waitress in Strasbourg to make ends meet in 2014. She later crossed paths with Farage while working in a restaurant and eventually landed a position in his European Parliament office.
Contrary to Farage’s earlier statement that he bought a house in Clacton, it was disclosed by The Mirror that Ferrari made the purchase in Farage’s constituency. While she paid standard stamp duty rates as the sole homeowner, Farage, with a property portfolio worth £3 million, would have incurred an additional 5% cost, approximately £44,000, if he had bought the house.
Farage has since admitted miscommunication regarding the house purchase, clarifying that he did not provide financial assistance to Ferrari as she hails from a financially well-off family. Despite this, a BBC investigation found no evidence to support Ferrari’s ability to purchase the house outright without a mortgage, raising further questions on the transaction.
In response to the mounting inquiries, Farage sought tax advice from a legal expert to ensure compliance with regulations. His solicitors, Grosvenor Law, emphasized that there was no indication of tax avoidance or evasion in the house acquisition.
Political rivals, including the Labour and Liberal Democrats, criticized Farage for inconsistencies in his statements and urged transparency in addressing the situation. Farage’s spokesperson affirmed that Ferrari is the lawful owner of the property and reiterated Farage’s lack of financial stake in the house.
Separately, Farage faced criticism for failing to register a trip to the US for a fundraiser for President Trump, as required by MPs for overseas visits exceeding £300 not funded by public or personal means. Farage’s spokesperson acknowledged the oversight and pledged to rectify the registration promptly.
In conclusion, Farage’s property dealings and overseas travel have come under intense scrutiny, with calls for him to provide clearer explanations and adhere to regulatory obligations.
