Nigel Farage interviewed over undeclared £5 million crypto gift

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been questioned by the parliamentary standards commissioner over a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The investigation focuses on whether Farage should have declared the donation, a requirement for new MPs under Commons rules.

The 30-minute interview took place last month at the Palace of Westminster. Farage told the Sunday Times that he believes the gift was not political and denies any wrongdoing. Under Commons rules, gifts over £300 must be declared unless they are unrelated to political activities.

Harborne is one of two crypto billionaires who donated £72 million to Reform UK. The twin £36 million gifts from Ben Delo and Harborne have sparked calls for stricter donation caps, particularly on foreign donations. Farage noted that the reaction to the donations was less severe than expected, with some expressing grudging respect.

Harborne, who was based in Thailand, was recently reported to have registered to vote in Hampshire. The investigation into Farage's declaration of the gift resumed after his victory in the Clacton by-election.