The UK’s Labour Party has formally accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of “evading reasonable scrutiny” over a $6.7 million personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Labour Chair Anna Turley sent a letter demanding Farage stop “running from scrutiny,” citing his shifting accounts for the 2024 payment. The parliamentary standards commissioner has launched an inquiry, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently challenged Farage over the secret gift during a parliamentary session.
The UK’s Labour Party has sent a formal letter to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, accusing him of “evading reasonable scrutiny” over a $6.7 million undisclosed payment he received from billionaire Tether investor Christopher Harborne. Labour Chair Anna Turley stated, “It’s time he ended his deafening silence and came clean with the public as to what’s gone on here.”
The parliamentary standards commissioner launched a formal inquiry into the million-dollar gift last month after the Conservatives referred the matter. Prime Minister Keir Starmer challenged Farage, asking “why did he keep it secret in the first place?” during a recent session.
Farage has offered two different explanations for the payment. He first told The Telegraph it was to fund his personal security for life, citing past threats including a firebombing.
He later described it as a “reward” from Harborne for his Brexit campaigning. Farage has consistently maintained he was under “no obligation” to declare the gift.
Harborne, who holds a 12% stake in stablecoin issuer Tether, has donated $16 million to Reform UK in total. His contributions account for roughly two-thirds of the party’s 2025 funding.
He was joined in early 2026 by Ben Delo, co-founder of crypto exchange BitMEX, who sent $5.3 million to Reform. Starmer pointed to government measures including a moratorium on crypto donations and a new cap on contributions from overseas donors.
