Electoral Commission Reviews £5 Million Gift to Nigel Farage Before 2024 Election
The Electoral Commission is currently reviewing a GBP#5 million gift received by Nigel Farage in early 2024 from donor Christopher Harborne, before the last general election. The regulator's inquiry follows a formal complaint lodged by the Conservative Party, which contends that Farage, then honorary president of Reform UK, should have declared the sum.
Eleanor Pearch, Regulatory Action Panel Manager for the Commission, confirmed their awareness and stated, "We are considering this matter under our regulatory remit." The Commission is expected to communicate its decision on potential next steps by 12 May, after upcoming elections across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Reform UK maintains the money was an "unconditional gift" to Farage, who, at the time, had not publicly committed to standing as a Member of Parliament. A spokesperson for Reform UK asserted that Farage "wasn't in politics at the time" of the donation, thus it was not intended for campaigning, and expressed confidence no rules have been infringed.
However, the Conservatives argue Farage met the criteria of a "regulated donee," a classification that mandates declaration of donations. Electoral Commission guidelines include members of a registered political party within this category. Reform UK reportedly disputes that Farage fell under any such classification requiring him to declare the funds.
Companies House records indicate that from May 2021 until February 2025, Farage held a significant stake—between 50% and 75%—in Reform UK Party Limited, a company explicitly listed as engaged in "activities of political organisations." Farage was also a director during this period.
The Conservative Party has also escalated the matter to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Daniel Greenberg, alleging a breach of the House of Commons Code of Conduct due to a "failing to register a political donation." Greenberg's office declined to comment on the complaint.
