Reform UK Lands £72m Cryptocurrency Windfall from Billionaire Donors
Thai-based businessman Christopher Harborne has donated £36 million to Reform UK, matching a similar donation made by cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo. This makes Harborne the party's largest donor once again.
In an article published in The Daily Telegraph, Harborne explained that he was inspired to match Delo's donation due to his competitive spirit. He also stated that the donation is 'a philanthropic gift to our country' and hopes others will join him in supporting Reform.
The donation comes as a result of ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's finances, including a criminal investigation into allegations that the party breached rules on political donations. MPs have backed measures to cap overseas donations at £100,000 and suspend funding through cryptocurrency, but this draft legislation still needs to be passed by the House of Lords.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing and has stated it will co-operate fully with the investigation. Harborne's donation is intended to help Reform prepare for government and create a 'profitable and dynamic economy' that can address existential threats such as nuclear war, AI, and climate change.