Electoral Commission urged to investigate Nigel Farage over alleged undeclared donations
The Electoral Commission has been urged to investigate Nigel Farage over allegations that he failed to properly declare donations from a convicted criminal over a five-year period, reports BritPanorama.
Ben Habib, the former deputy leader of Reform UK, stated he has asked the watchdog to look into a failure to declare donations from George Cottrell, a convicted money launderer who provided accommodation and paid for Farage’s security. Labour’s chair Anna Turley has also published a letter to the Electoral Commission calling for an investigation.
This controversy appears to have impacted Farage, who is already under scrutiny from the Parliamentary standards watchdog regarding a £5 million donation he received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he also failed to declare.
The Reform UK leader was filmed displaying frustration at Sky News upon his return from the US, accusing reporters of harassing his daughter over the allegations. While Reform UK insists that Farage was not politically active before the 2024 election and claims he disclosed all appropriate donations, Habib disputes this narrative.
“It is wrong to claim Farage was not in politics when he accepted Cottrell’s largesse. He was the largest shareholder in and director of Reform. He controlled Reform,” Habib remarked. He emphasized that electoral regulations require members like Farage to disclose donations, stating, “He didn’t make a single disclosure between 2019 and July 2024.”
Habib noted Farage’s active political involvement, pointing to his recruitment of Tory defector Lee Anderson to the party in early 2024, which he opposed. Following a fallout, Habib left Reform UK after the 2024 general election to briefly form his own party, Advance UK.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed that its rules apply not only to elected MPs but to all members of registered political parties. A spokesperson clarified that donations for political activities must be reported, regardless of whether the individual holds an elected position.
Ms. Turley’s letter highlights specific alleged violations regarding donations received by Farage in 2023 and 2024. Reports indicate that Cottrell had financed staff to support Farage’s social media, which was utilized for political messaging and personal promotion, particularly leading into the 2024 general election.
She emphasized concerns regarding Cottrell providing security personnel for Farage, indicating ongoing financial support not duly declared. Reform UK categorically rejects these allegations, asserting that Farage maintained appropriate disclosures throughout his tenure.
A Reform spokesperson stated, “Nigel Farage did not hold a political position until he stood for parliament. His owning of shares and honorary title does not get him there. This was all checked.”
The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing scrutiny of political funding and its regulatory implications in a complex political landscape.
