Rules governing MPs require the declaration of any “personal benefit” received within the 12 months before taking office, with registration expected within one month of election, a requirement highlighted by the Conservative Party in its referral.
The donation, reportedly made by Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, is said to fall within that reporting period.
However, according to the MPs’ code of conduct parliamentary guidelines allow certain personal gifts to go undeclared if they are not considered to be connected to a member’s role or political activities.
The rules also stated: “Both the possible motive of the giver and the use to which the gift is to be put should be considered. If there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered.”
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In reaction, the Tory party chair, Kevin Hollinrake, said Farage was “obliged” to declare the gift.
He said the donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne raised “serious questions,” and called on Farage and Reform UK to provide further clarity.
“This £5m from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne raises serious questions. What is Nigel Farage hiding? And why does Reform think the rules don’t apply to them? This stinks and Reform should come clean now.”
Also the Labour party chair, Anna Turley, said it appeared that Nigel Farage did not declare the gift as required under the rules.
“It’s just the latest alarming example of Farage and his MPs believing there is one rule for them and another for everyone else,” she added.
Chair of the all-parliamentary group on anti-corruption, Phil Brickell, noted the issue raises concerns about trust, transparency and integrity in public life.
Calling on the parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate the matter urgently, he said: “This goes to the heart of trust, transparency and integrity in public life. The standards system only works if it’s enforced. The standards commissioner must investigate – urgently.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK said the gift did not need declaration as it was a “personal unconditional gift.”
They added that the party had complied with all relevant rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage in an interview with the Daily Telegraph said that the gift was made because “Christopher is an ardent supporter who is deeply concerned for my safety”.
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