Exclusive: Nigel Farage Received Undisclosed £5 Million from Crypto Billionaire in 2024
By Anna Isaac, The Guardian, April 29, 2026
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, was given a substantial £5 million personal gift by Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne in 2024, shortly before announcing his candidacy for the British general election, The Guardian can reveal.
Undisclosed Gift and Political U-Turn
In May 2024, Farage publicly declared that he would not stand as a Member of Parliament in the upcoming July general election, ending speculation about another attempt to enter Parliament. He cited wanting to focus on campaigning in the U.S. presidential election later that year and referred to the financial pressures of political life as a factor in his decision.
However, within weeks of receiving the £5 million gift, Farage reversed his stance. On June 3rd, 2024, he announced his intention to stand for election in Clacton, Essex, a move that surprised many political observers. By July 2024, Farage had secured a seat in Parliament for the first time and has since expressed ambitions to become Prime Minister at the next general election.
Lack of Transparency and Calls for Explanation
The gift from Harborne, a billionaire with significant stakes in the cryptocurrency sector—including a 12% shareholding in Tether—was not publicly disclosed at the time, raising questions about compliance with parliamentary rules. MPs are required to declare any benefits received within 12 months prior to taking office, especially if such benefits could influence political activity.
Neither Farage nor Harborne initially commented on the gift. After inquiries from The Guardian, both parties requested additional time through their legal representatives to respond. Meanwhile, Farage confirmed to the Daily Telegraph that the £5 million was a personal gift intended to cover his security costs.
Farage’s Explanation
Farage stated: “This money was given to me so that I would be safe and secure for the rest of my life. I have tried and failed in the past to get security funded by the Home Office and I don’t think the state will ever help me. I’m very much on my own and will be for the rest of my life, and I have to face up to that grim reality.” He described Harborne as “an ardent supporter” concerned for his safety.
He further expressed frustration at the disclosure of his private financial information, calling the leak “outrageous” and potentially illegal.
The Role of Christopher Harborne
Harborne has emerged as a key figure in British politics over the past seven years, providing substantial financial support to Farage and the parties he has led. In 2025 alone, Harborne donated £12 million to Reform UK, including a record-breaking £9 million single contribution.
Apart from funding Reform UK, Harborne has also contributed to the Conservative Party. Notably, he provided £1 million to Boris Johnson’s private office after Johnson stepped down as Prime Minister in 2022. Harborne divides his time between the UK and Thailand and operates under a Thai name, Chakrit Sakunkrit.
Political and Ethical Implications
Farage’s receipt of a large undisclosed personal gift shortly before entering Parliament has raised concerns about the transparency of MPs’ finances before assuming office. Reform UK’s official spokesperson described the £5 million transfer as an “unconditional personal gift” and insisted that Farage’s decision to stand for Parliament was “entirely unrelated” to the donation.
Parliamentary rules emphasize that when there is any doubt about whether a benefit should be declared, it should be registered to maintain transparency and public trust.
Background on Farage-Harborne Relationship
The relationship between Farage and Harborne goes back several years. Harborne donated £10 million to the Brexit Party ahead of the 2019 general election. Farage has stated that despite the large donations, no promises or obligations were made to Harborne in return.
Farage also previously revealed struggles with his finances, including falling below the threshold for maintaining a luxury bank account at Coutts by 2023. ### Ongoing Inquiry and Public Interest
The Guardian continues to seek detailed responses from Farage and Harborne regarding the timing, nature, and implications of the gift. Lawyers for Harborne criticized media inquiries as speculative and not grounded in evidence.
As this story develops, it highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in political financing, particularly when significant funds are transferred to individuals on the cusp of parliamentary careers.
Contacting The Guardian
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This report is part of The Guardian’s ongoing coverage of political finance and transparency in UK politics.