Crypto Billionaires Flood Reform UK with $72 Million in Two Days

Two crypto billionaires donated $72 million to Nigel Farage's Reform UK in just two days, surpassing the total donations received by each of Britain's major political parties over an entire year.

The donation came from Ben Delo, co-founder of BitMEX, and Christopher Harborne, a Tether investor based in Thailand. Delo broke the record on Friday with his £36 million contribution, which is believed to be the largest individual donation in British political history.

Harborne matched Delo's donation a day later, bringing the total to $72 million. The funds will be used by Reform UK to employ policy-making staff and 400 campaign managers, according to the party.

The two donors had different motivations for their contributions. Harborne said he supports the Reform Party because it will attract investment and develop the economy, while Delo framed his donation as a blow to the political establishment, seeking to break up the 'cartel' of major parties that have dominated UK election politics for a century.

Opposition parties have criticized the donations, with the Liberal Democrats calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to limit financial contributions. The Labour Party has also put in place restrictions on donations from British expats and newly returned citizens.