Farage to address scrutiny over undeclared gifts and benefits
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage will speak at 14:00 BST about his future in public life as investigations continue into a £5 million donation and alleged non-cash support from a convicted associate.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced he will make a statement at 14:00 BST on his "future in public life" after renewed scrutiny of financial support he received before becoming an MP. The announcement follows reports that he failed to declare a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne and in-kind benefits provided by George Cottrell, a former ally convicted of wire fraud in the United States.
Parliament's standards commissioner has been investigating the matter since May, focusing on whether the gift and the alleged support – including security staff and use of a property near Buckingham Palace – should have been recorded in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. Farage maintains he was not required to declare the Harborne donation because it was made before his election and was not political, and he argues the same for the non-cash assistance from Cottrell.
"I have done no wrongdoing, followed the rules and I am now considering legal action against the Sunday Times," Farage said in response to the latest reporting.
Lawyers for Cottrell issued a statement saying he "categorically disputes allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times".
The Liberal Democrats have asked the parliamentary standards commissioner to launch an inquiry, and Labour has requested the Electoral Commission to assess whether Cottrell's support should have been reported. The Electoral Commission said it is reviewing the information received.
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said he believes voters are not concerned by the financial disclosures and pointed to recent electoral successes for the party.
