Parliamentary Watchdog Investigates Nigel Farage Over Undeclared £5 Million Gift
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner has launched an investigation into Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, concerning a £5 million gift. The inquiry seeks to determine if Mr. Farage violated Commons regulations by not declaring the substantial sum, which originated from billionaire Reform backer Christopher Harborne.
Mr. Farage maintains he was under “no obligation” to register the gift, as it was provided prior to his election as a Member of Parliament. However, rival political factions argue that the gift should have been disclosed in the MPs' register of interests once he took his seat in Parliament in 2024.
The Conservative Party formally approached Parliament's standards watchdog, leading to the current investigation into whether the Reform leader contravened the House of Commons code of conduct. The code mandates that newly elected MPs “must register all their current financial interests, and any registrable benefits (other than earnings) received in the 12 months before their election within one month of their election.”
While “purely personal gifts or benefits” from family or commercial loans are generally exempt from registration, the code also stipulates that “both the possible motive of the giver and the use to which the gift is to be put should be considered,” advising that “if there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered.”
Separately, the Conservatives have also lodged concerns with the Electoral Commission, which has confirmed it is reviewing the information provided.
