British crypto investors donate nearly $50 million each to Reform UK

Two British cryptocurrency investors have each pledged close to $49 million to Reform UK, a right-wing political party founded by former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. The donations, announced by Christopher Harborne and previously by BitMEX co-founder Ben Delo, raise the total amount pledged to the party since Friday to about $97 million.

Harborne, a 63-year-old investor based in Thailand, described his $48.7 million contribution as a “philanthropic gift” and said he was inspired to match Delo’s earlier pledge. Delo, 42, co-founded the BitMEX cryptocurrency exchange.

The donations come as London’s Metropolitan Police have opened a criminal investigation into whether Reform UK has accepted illegal foreign funding. Reform leader Nigel Farage thanked the donors on the social media platform X, stating the party aims to deliver a government that will “fix Britain.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the contributions, saying that while money can buy staff and advertising, it cannot buy judgment or integrity. Polling data suggests Reform’s support has slipped slightly after recent changes in national leadership.

Analysts noted that the donors argue their gifts are intended to level the political playing field, claiming Reform lacks the established financial infrastructure of mainstream parties. Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, has positioned itself as an anti-establishment alternative amid growing voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties.