Nigel Farage's bye-election win in Clacton was overshadowed by the reopening of an investigation into his undeclared gifts, including a £5m donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell, prompting widespread criticism from MPs across parties.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage won the Clacton byelection with 63.34% of the vote, defeating parody candidate Count Binface in a contest boycotted by major political parties.
Nigel Farage, who resigned his Clacton seat in July following an inquiry into a gift, is running again in a by-election against novelty candidate Count Binface.
Nigel Farage received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbourne, triggering allegations against him and Reform party figures including deputy Richard Tice and George Cottrell, amid questions about his political comeback.
Nigel Farage confirmed he discussed Reform UK's financial liabilities with Richard Tice before returning to lead the party in 2024, prompting criticism from Labour over his £5m gift declaration.
Nigel Farage admits discussing his return to lead Reform UK months before receiving a £5m gift, contradicting previous claims of not being involved in politics at the time, sparking renewed scrutiny over the gift's declaration and his party's finances.
Nigel Farage admitted discussing a return to lead Reform UK months before the 2024 general election, contradicting previous claims he was not involved in politics when he received a £5m gift. This admission reopens questions about the gift's nature and triggers renewed investigations into his conduct.
The Guardian's three-month investigation into Reform UK's funding exposes a complex web of secret donations, loans, and financial transactions involving Nigel Farage, Christopher Harborne, George Cottrell, and Fiona Cottrell. Police have interviewed two individuals under caution, and parliamentary investigations are ongoing, raising questions about the party's financial transparency.
The Conservative Party has asked HMRC to investigate if Nigel Farage owes tax on a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, questioning if it was compensation for running as an MP. Farage claims it was a personal, unconditional gift, despite reports suggesting he sought £1m annually for political office.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage admitted using a London home and social media filming paid for by fraudster George Cottrell before the last election, insisting it was undeclarable. He also defended a £5m gift from Christopher Harborne and a £500k donation from Cottrell's mother, all under investigation by the standards commissioner and police.
Questions are arising about the timing of a £5m gift to Nigel Farage and its declaration, alongside a £80,000 loan to Richard Tice, as Reform UK faces scrutiny over its finances and potential campaign funding issues.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey stated he resisted Nigel Farage's lobbying to drop a crypto policy potentially costly to Reform UK's backer, Christopher Harborne. This comes as Farage faces a parliamentary probe over undeclared payments and support, triggering a political crisis.
The Guardian investigation reveals that bankers reported potential money laundering concerns to the National Crime Agency (NCA) regarding transactions involving senior Reform UK figures, including Nigel Farage and Richard Tice. Suspicious activity reports (SARs) were filed over donations and loans, prompting scrutiny of the party's finances and adherence to electoral rules.
Bankers reportedly alerted the National Crime Agency (NCA) over a £5m gift to Nigel Farage from a crypto billionaire, citing concerns about potential money laundering. Labour's Anna Turley called the allegations "astonishing and deeply serious" and urged Farage to cooperate with the NCA.
Nigel Farage's Reform UK leader announced a by-election in Clacton, framing it as 'people versus the establishment.' Major parties, including Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Restore Britain, will not field candidates, leaving the Green Party and novelty candidate Count Binface as potential challengers. Residents express weariness with politics and mixed views on Farage.
Nigel Farage resigns as MP for Clacton, citing establishment "foul means" after undeclared donations. He will seek re-election in a by-election, framing it as "people versus the establishment". Rival parties refuse to stand, calling it a "stunt".
Bankers reported a £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire to the National Crime Agency, concerned it may have been laundered money. Farage faces scrutiny over undeclared finances and timing of the gift relative to his political activities.
Nigel Farage resigns as MP for Clacton, triggering a by-election, to face judgment from constituents over undeclared funding. He claims the "establishment" is using "foul means" against him following revelations of a £5m gift and undeclared staffing/security funding.
Nigel Farage emerged from an eight-week media silence to face intense scrutiny over a £5m crypto-billionaire gift and his stance on Brexit. His return was met with hostility, with questions about public trust, his candidate's controversial remarks, and the timing of the donation.
Nigel Farage faces scrutiny over a £5m gift, offering shifting explanations from "none of your business" to security needs, a reward for Brexit, and even a Russian hack, while the standards commissioner investigates.
Nigel Farage defended a £5m crypto donation from businessman Christopher Harborne as a "purely private matter" and "not any of your business." He argued it wasn't hypocritical to criticize Keir Starmer's donations, citing his own presenter role vs. Starmer's opposition leadership. Farage also expressed no regret over Brexit.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized Nigel Farage's acceptance of a £5m gift from a crypto billionaire, questioning his explanation and ruling out an electoral pact with Reform UK. Badenoch cited the gift's investigation and Reform's poor by-election performance as reasons for her stance.
Reform UK's mixed byelection results, including a disappointing second place in Makerfield and distant seconds in Gorton and Denton, raise concerns for Nigel Farage. Issues include candidate selection, vulnerability to tactical voting, and competition from the right.
Reform UK's mixed byelection results, including a disappointing second place in Makerfield, raise concerns for Nigel Farage. Issues with candidate selection, tactical voting, and a new right-wing competitor, Restore Britain, highlight challenges for the party.
