No obligation to declare £5m gift, Farage says

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said there was "no obligation" to declare a £5m gift he received from a billionaire backer before he became an MP.

In a Telegraph interview last week, Farage revealed that in early 2024, Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne had given him the money to pay for his security.

Labour and other rival parties have accused Farage of breaking parliamentary rules by not declaring the £5m gift in the register of interests for MPs - and the Conservatives have referred the Reform UK leader to the parliamentary standards commissioner.

But speaking to broadcasters on Tuesday, Farage said the £5m gift was "purely private" and "wasn't political in any sense at all".

"The rules are very clear," Farage said.

"And believe you me, we've looked at this from every legal angle, there is no obligation to declare something that is an unconditional, non-political, personal gift.

"And it will ensure I can be safe for the rest of my life."

Harborne's £5m gift to Farage, which was investigated by the Guardian newspaper, was given to him in early 2024 ahead of the general election that year, and it does not appear on his register of interests.

Reform UK sources say Farage received the money before he intended to stand for Parliament.

Last week, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley said Farage "appears to have broken the rules again by failing to declare this cash from his billionaire backer".

The House of Commons code of conduct states that new MPs "must register all their current financial interests, and any registrable benefits (other than earnings) received in the 12 months before their election within one month of their election".

The rules say "purely personal gifts or benefits" from family or commercial loans would not normally have to be registered.

The rules also say "both the possible motive of the giver and the use to which the gift is to be put should be considered", adding "if there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered".

The Conservatives have also raised concerns with the Electoral Commission, which said it was considering the information.

Facing his first questions on camera about the money, Farage told broadcasters the £5m gift had been given to him "for one purpose".

"I've been the most attacked, physically, politician of modern times," Farage said.

"And yet despite repeated requests to the Home Office, the police, for protection and help, I've been denied at every twist and turn.

"This money is the only way I can look after myself, and protect myself for the rest of my life."

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Harborne said he was not "expecting anything in return apart from ensuring [Farage's] safety".

The newspaper also reported that a legal document was signed stating that the gift was "unconditional and irrevocable".

The security of MPs is managed by a combination of authorities.

The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) handles safety on the parliamentary estate, while local police forces are responsible for security in constituencies.

The Home Office may also provide enhanced protection for MPs assessed as facing the highest risk.

Operation Bridger is a national police programme that seeks to enhance the security of MPs.

Reform UK sources say Farage's team notifies local police forces of his movements when he is travelling, in line with Operation Bridger protocols.

Party sources say Farage does not receive protection from the Home Office or police, and travels with his own private security team.

Essex Police, the force in Farage's Clacton constituency, told the BBC it engages with all MPs under Operation Bridger "to ensure they receive the most up-to-date security advice for their homes and their constituency offices".

"We also offer services available under Op Bridger to all MPs, which includes a dedicated adviser, briefings, risk assessments, and information gathering," a spokesperson said.