UNITED KINGDOM — The UK Electoral Commission is considering whether to investigate an undisclosed £5 million gift received by Nigel Farage before he announced his candidacy at the 2024 general election. The watchdog said in a written response that it is aware of the undisclosed gift, is considering it under its regulatory remit, and will review relevant information before recommending any next steps.

The money was given to Farage as a personal gift by the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Reform UK said the sum was provided as an "unconditional gift" to Farage, and that he used the funds for security arrangements.

Farage received the gift before he announced his candidacy for Member of Parliament. He had previously stated he did not intend to stand as an MP, but reversed that position in June 2024, within weeks of receiving the money. He became a Member of Parliament for the first time in July 2024.

The Conservative Party wrote to the Electoral Commission arguing that Farage should have declared the gift at the time as a regulated donee. The Commission said it will respond to the Conservatives by 12 May.

The Conservatives also wrote to the parliamentary commissioner for standards, Daniel Greenberg, alleging that Farage breached the Commons code of conduct by failing to register a political donation. Parliamentary rules state that any benefits received within 12 months before taking office should be declared based on whether they are for political or personal purposes, and that any doubtful benefit should be registered.

Tory party chair Kevin Hollinrake said: "The Conservatives are today referring Nigel Farage to the parliamentary standards commissioner. This £5m from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne raises serious questions." He added: "What is Nigel Farage hiding? And why does Reform think the rules don't apply to them? This stinks and Reform should come clean now."