Nigel Farage faces parliamentary probe over undeclared donations

Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg has opened an inquiry into whether Reform UK leader Nigel Farage breached House of Commons rules by not registering a £5 million donation from cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne. The contribution was received before Farage was elected as MP for Clacton, but MPs must disclose any financial interests received in the 12 months preceding their election. Farage has argued the money was a “personal, unconditional gift” and therefore exempt from the declaration requirement.

If Greenberg determines a breach, sanctions could range from a formal apology to a temporary suspension from the Commons. A suspension exceeding ten sitting days would trigger a six-week period during which constituents could petition for a by-election under the Recall of MPs Act.

A second set of allegations has emerged, claiming Farage did not declare gifts and funding from crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell, who reportedly financed the leader’s private security, staff, transport and accommodation before his parliamentary election. Farage responded in a statement to the Daily Express, asserting he had done nothing wrong, had complied with the rules and was considering legal action against the Sunday Times, which first reported the claim.

Opposition parties have called for investigations. The Liberal Democrats have written to Greenberg requesting a review of the Cottrell support, while a Labour spokesperson said Farage and his party were “unfit for office.” Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake said the public “deserve transparency.”

The inquiries come as Reform UK remains ahead of Labour in recent polling, though the party faces renewed competition from the hard-right Restore Britain movement. Farage’s political future could be tested by both the parliamentary probe and the potential for a recall-triggered by-election.