Brief
Farage says £72 million crypto donations earned public respect
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage defended a £72 million gift from two crypto billionaires amid a standards inquiry.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Nigel Farage told supporters in Doncaster that the record‑breaking £72 million donation to Reform UK from cryptocurrency magnates Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo has generated "grudging respect" among voters, the Independent reported.
What happened
The two donors each contributed £36 million, creating the largest single political donation in British history, surpassing the previous £10 million record set by the Conservatives in 2022. Farage said the money will level the playing field against established parties.
What the reports add
According to the article, Farage also disclosed that he recently met parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg in the House of Commons to discuss whether he failed to register a separate £5 million gift from Harborne received in 2024. He insists the money was used solely for his personal security.
What was said
Farage told the Sunday Times, "The fact that I managed to pull off a coup of that magnitude, I think people were quite impressed," and added that the funding has turned potential backlash into "a very different thing, it’s troughed" for his party.
How it came about
The donation follows a period of heightened security concerns for Farage, including a recent terror‑related police investigation linked to a suspect in the murder of former party figure Ann Widdecombe. Earlier this week, Farage warned that a standards ruling could lead to suspension from the Commons and a by‑election in his Clacton seat.
Key facts
- Reform UK received £72 million from crypto donors Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo. (independent.co.uk)
- The donation is the largest single political contribution in UK history. (independent.co.uk)
- Farage met standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg about a separate £5 million gift from Harborne. (independent.co.uk)
- Farage says the money has earned "grudging respect" and will help Reform compete with larger parties. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Farage claims people ‘quite impressed’ by £72m donations from crypto-billionaires”
