Reform UK's Nigel Farage Faces Standards Probe Over Tether Billionaire's $6.7 Million Gift
U.K. Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating a $6.7 million (£5 million) gift received by Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage from billionaire Christopher Harborne, a major investor in Tether. Farage maintains he was not required to declare the gift, as it was given before announcing his candidacy, and claims it was for his personal security. Reform U.K. states the gift was personal, unconditional, and within the rules. Harborne, a Thai citizen, is the primary financier of Reform U.K., contributing about two-thirds of its funding, including the largest ever single political donation by a living individual in the U.K. Reform U.K. has actively supported cryptocurrency and was the only major party to accept crypto donations until a government moratorium in March 2024 and new caps on foreign-linked donations. After his July 2024 election win, Farage must register any benefits received in the 12 months before his election; if found in breach, he could face penalties ranging from an apology to expulsion from the House.
