The UK's Electoral Commission has indicated it may investigate a £5 million gift given to Nigel Farage before the last general election, following a complaint from the Conservative Party.
The money was provided by Christopher Harborne, a major donor to Reform UK, in early 2024. At the time, Farage had not yet declared his candidacy for Parliament.
In a letter seen by the BBC, the Conservatives argued that Farage should have registered the donation with the Electoral Commission as a "regulated donee." The Commission replied that it is "aware of this matter and are considering it under our regulatory remit."
Reform UK maintains the money was an unconditional personal gift, used by Farage for security purposes. A party spokesperson said Farage "wasn't in politics at the time" and therefore the funds were not for campaigning. They expressed confidence that no rules were broken.
The Conservatives, however, contend that Farage was effectively a regulated donee because he was a major shareholder and director of Reform UK Party Limited, which at the time was a private company. Companies House records show Farage held between 50% and 75% of shares from May 2021 until February 2025.
Separately, the Conservatives have also written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, alleging that Farage breached the House of Commons Code of Conduct by failing to register the donation. The Commissioner's office declined to comment.
Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, defended Farage, calling him "the highest profile British politician in recent decades" who faces regular threats. He argued that the gift was unrelated to Farage's parliamentary duties and thus did not require registration.
The Electoral Commission has until 12 May to respond further, after upcoming local elections in England, Scotland, and Wales.