Reform UK has stated that Nigel Farage purchased a £1.4 million house in Surrey using money earned from his appearance on the reality show 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!', not from a £5 million gift from a party donor.
Land registry records confirm Farage bought the property on May 10, 2024, paying in cash with no mortgage. The purchase came shortly after he received £5 million from Christopher Harborne, a Thai-based British billionaire and Reform's biggest donor, who has given the party £12 million in 2025.
Reform UK insists the property transaction was independent of Harborne's gift, which they describe as a personal, unconditional payment intended for Farage's security. A party spokesman told the BBC that Farage had already passed proof of funds and relevant checks before receiving the gift, and the purchase was funded by his ITV fee.
Harborne, who made his fortune in crypto and aviation fuel, told The Telegraph he gave the money because of his admiration for Farage's Brexit work. The gift is now under investigation by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, as Farage did not declare it when he became an MP. Commons rules require new MPs to declare donations received in the 12 months before their election.
Reform UK maintains the payment did not need to be declared because it was a personal gift. Farage told The Sun he is "not in the least bit worried" about the inquiry and described the payment as a reward for campaigning for Brexit.