Nigel Farage Faces Investigation over Undisclosed Funding

A spokesperson for British politician Nigel Farage has denied claims by the Sunday Times that the leader of Reform UK may have violated disclosure rules by failing to report benefits received from crypto-billionaire George Cottrell. Cottrell, who was imprisoned in the US in 2017 for fraud, provided Farage with security, lodging and social media support before the election.

Farage is already facing a separate investigation by a parliamentary body over an undisclosed £5m (about $6.7m) donation from Thailand-based investor Christopher Harborne. Both cases are increasing pressure on him to be transparent about his funding.

Farage says Harborne's money was an unconditional personal donation intended to ensure his safety, and that disclosure rules did not apply to it. However, under parliamentary rules, new members of Parliament must declare financial benefits received over the previous 12 months.

UK Health Minister James Murray said Farage appeared to have a flexible approach to transparency. Scrutiny of the anti-immigration party leader is growing as Reform UK leads in the polls ahead of the 2029 election.

If the investigation finds a serious breach of the rules, Farage could face suspension from the House of Commons. A suspension of 10 days or more could trigger a recall petition and a by-election in his constituency, which would put his political career at risk.

(Reuters, Max)