Nigel Farage is under scrutiny for accepting a £5 million gift from a billionaire based in Thailand without disclosing it. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, is set to investigate the matter following revelations that Farage received the substantial sum from Christopher Harborne just before the 2024 general election. Farage has stated that the funds were used for his security.
Questions have been raised as it came to light earlier this month that the money was a gift from Harborne to Farage. The Reform party asserts that the donation was a personal, unconditional gesture, therefore not requiring declaration. The Electoral Commission is considering launching its own investigation, with an announcement expected imminently.
If found guilty of a serious breach of Parliamentary regulations by the Standards Commissioner, Farage could face suspension. A suspension exceeding 10 days would trigger a recall petition, potentially leading to a by-election for his Clacton seat. Parliamentary guidelines mandate that new MPs must disclose any relevant gifts or donations received in the year prior to taking office. The £5 million gift from Harborne was given shortly before Farage announced his candidacy in Clacton in 2024.
Labour Party chair Anna Turley has criticized Farage, urging for a thorough investigation into the matter. 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 has also supported Farage financially in other endeavors, including funding a humanitarian mission to the Maldives.
Farage has maintained that Harborne’s donations to Reform come without expectations. In response to questions on undisclosed gifts, Farage’s deputy, Richard Tice, emphasized their financial independence. Reform UK’s spokesperson affirmed that Farage had been transparent about the nature of the gift and remains confident that no rules were violated.
This incident is not the first time Farage has faced financial scrutiny. Previously, there were allegations of hypocrisy surrounding the purchase of a house in Clacton, Essex. It was revealed that Farage’s partner, Laure Ferrari, purchased the property for nearly £900,000. Farage defended the purchase, stating that Ferrari used her own funds for the acquisition.