Watchdog weighs investigation into Farage’s undisclosed £5m gift

Electoral Commission considers inquiry after Tories said Reform leader should have declared money from billionaire Analysis: Farage’s bid to get ahead of story only raises more questions The UK elections watchdog is considering whether to investigate an undisclosed £5m gift received by Nigel Farage before he announced his candidacy at the last general election. The Guardian revealed this week that the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne gave the Reform UK leader the money. In a written response to the Conservative party, the Electoral Commission said it was “aware of this matter and are considering it under our regulatory remit. We will consider all the available relevant information and recommend what, if any, next steps the commission will take.” Farage had previously stated he did not intend to stand as an MP but reversed his position in June 2024, within weeks of receiving the personal gift from the Thailand-based businessman. In July 2024, Farage became an MP for the first time. He has since stated he expects to become prime minister at the next general election. The Conservatives wrote to the watchdog on Wednesday arguing that Farage should “have declared the gif