Reform UK Swells War Chest with £72M Crypto Billionaire Donations

Reform UK has received a combined £72 million in donations from two crypto-billionaires. Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, the donors, have insisted they want 'nothing' in return for their gifts to the party. In response to criticism of potential favors or rewards, Reform denied any intention of granting them peerages, knighthoods, or government contracts.

The donations are the largest in British political history and equal three-quarters of the money spent at the 2024 general election by all parties combined. Harborne described his gift as a 'philanthropic gift to our country,' aimed at helping Reform prepare for government. Delo stated his donation was intended to create a 'level playing field' with other parties.

Nigel Farage, Reform's leader, said the money would be used to fund research and policy departments and recruit experts in various fields. The party has announced several crypto-friendly policies, including slashing taxes on crypto assets and setting up a Bitcoin reserve.

The donations have reignited calls for a cap on political donations. Labour MP Stella Creasy has proposed an amendment to the Government's Representation of the People Bill to prevent donors giving parties more than £100,000 in a single year.