Farage Addresses £5m Gift Declaration
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has stated there was "no obligation" to declare a £5m gift he received from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne before becoming a Member of Parliament (MP).
In an interview with The Telegraph last week, Farage disclosed that in early 2024, Harborne provided the funds to cover his personal security expenses.
Labour and other opposition parties have accused Farage of breaching parliamentary rules by failing to register the £5m gift in the MPs' register of interests. The Conservative Party has referred the matter to the parliamentary standards commissioner for investigation.
Farage's Position on the Gift
Speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, Farage emphasized that the £5m gift was "purely private" and "wasn't political in any sense at all."
"The rules are very clear," Farage said.
"And believe you me, we've looked at this from every legal angle, there is no obligation to declare something that is an unconditional, non-political, personal gift.
"And it will ensure I can be safe for the rest of my life."
newspaper investigated Harborne's £5m gift, which was given in early 2024 prior to the general election that year. The gift does not appear on Farage's register of interests.
Reform UK sources have indicated that Farage received the funds before he intended to stand for Parliament.
Reactions from Political Parties
Last week, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley stated that Farage "appears to have broken the rules again by failing to declare this cash from his billionaire backer."
The House of Commons code of conduct requires new MPs to "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."
The rules specify that "purely personal gifts or benefits" from family or commercial loans typically do not need to be registered.
Additionally, the guidelines advise that "both the possible motive of the giver and the use to which the gift is to be put should be considered," adding that "if there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered."
The Conservative Party has also raised concerns with the Electoral Commission, which has confirmed it is reviewing the information.
Farage Explains Purpose of the Gift
Addressing questions on camera regarding the money, Farage explained that the £5m gift was given "for one purpose."
"I've been the most attacked, physically, politician of modern times," Farage said.
"And yet despite repeated requests to the Home Office, the police, for protection and help, I've been denied at every twist and turn.
"This money is the only way I can look after myself, and protect myself for the rest of my life."
In an interview with The Telegraph, Harborne stated he was not "expecting anything in return apart from ensuring [Farage's] safety." The newspaper also reported that a legal document was signed confirming the gift was "unconditional and irrevocable."
Security Arrangements for MPs
MP security is managed by multiple authorities. The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for safety on the parliamentary estate, while local police forces oversee security within constituencies. The Home Office may provide enhanced protection for MPs assessed as facing the highest risk.
Operation Bridger is a national police program aimed at enhancing MPs' security.
Reform UK sources state that Farage's team notifies local police forces of his movements when traveling, in accordance with Operation Bridger protocols.
Party sources confirm that Farage does not receive protection from the Home Office or police and travels with his own private security team.
Essex Police, serving Farage's Clacton constituency, told the BBC it engages with all MPs under Operation Bridger "to ensure they receive the most up-to-date security advice for their homes and their constituency offices."
"We also offer services available under Op Bridger to all MPs, which includes a dedicated adviser, briefings, risk assessments, and information gathering," a spokesperson said.
