Nigel Farage is under scrutiny regarding Reform UK’s assertion that he utilized his payment from appearing on the TV show “I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here” to acquire a £1.4 million house.
According to Reform UK, Nigel Farage reportedly bought a four-bedroom detached residence in Surrey in May 2024, funded by his earnings from his participation in “I’m a Celeb” in 2023. However, an analysis of his personal media company, Thorn in the Side Ltd, by the Financial Times indicates that the TV payment remained within the company’s financial records.
The company’s finances increased from £300,000 on May 31, 2023, to £1.7 million by May 31, 2024, with no apparent dividend payout during that period, despite Farage’s previous statement to the Financial Times that his “I’m a Celeb” earnings were directed to Thorn in the Side.
Documentation from the land registry, as per the Mirror, confirms that Nigel Farage personally purchased the Surrey property without any mortgage. Reform UK emphasized that Farage has various income sources, as shown in his parliamentary register.
Tax expert Nimesh Shah from Blick Rothenberg, who reviewed the company accounts for the Financial Times, suggested that the funds from Farage’s reality TV appearance were not used for the house purchase. He urged clarification on the claim that the house was bought using the TV fee, as it contradicts the company’s financial records.
In a separate matter, Nigel Farage is being investigated by the Parliamentary standards commissioner for not disclosing a £5 million gift from Thai-based billionaire Christopher Harborne before buying the house. Parliamentary regulations mandate new MPs to declare relevant gifts and donations within the year leading up to their election. Farage described the gift as personal security funding and a token of appreciation for his Brexit advocacy.
Reform has denied any link between the house purchase and the payment from the bitcoin tycoon, stating that anti-money laundering checks were completed before receiving the gift. Meanwhile, Labour chair Anna Turley criticized Farage, accusing him of self-centered motives rather than supporting the working class.
This is not the first time Farage’s financial dealings have been questioned. Previously, allegations of inconsistency were raised over the acquisition of a house in Clacton, Essex. Farage’s partner bought the property for nearly £900,000, potentially incurring substantial stamp duty costs if considered a second home purchase.
Farage maintains that there was no impropriety, asserting that his partner used her personal funds for the purchase.