Nigel Farage Under Investigation for Receiving $6.7 Million Gift from Tether Billionaire

According to The Guardian, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, received a substantial gift of approximately £5 million, equivalent to around $6.7 million, from Christopher Harborne, a billionaire associated with Tether, prior to announcing his candidacy for the Clacton seat in 2024. The Conservative and Labour parties have raised concerns that Farage may have violated House of Commons rules by not declaring this gift. In response, Farage confirmed the gift, stating it was intended to ensure his safety and security following previous incidents, including a milkshake attack in 2019 and a firebomb incident at his home last year. Harborne, who holds a 12% stake in Tether, provided the payment in 2024, before Farage's successful election to the Clacton seat. A spokesperson for Reform UK characterized the payment as a 'personal unconditional gift' unrelated to Farage's decision to run for office, asserting that all necessary declarations have been made in accordance with the rules. The Commons code of conduct requires new MPs to register benefits received in the 12 months preceding their election, prompting the Conservative Party to request an examination by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner into whether any funds were used for political activities. Labour has also accused Farage of breaking the rules. This development comes amidst a broader discussion on crypto donations in UK politics, with Harborne having made a record-breaking £9 million donation to Reform UK and the UK government imposing a moratorium on crypto donations to political parties due to concerns about foreign influence.