Full Breakdown
Reform UK’s £36 million crypto donation amid police probe and parliamentary scrutiny
By Drooid · · How we work
Major donation and ongoing probe
Reform UK announced that cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo contributed £36 million, which was matched by fellow crypto investor Christopher Harborne. The party says the gifts are “philanthropic” and intended to help it prepare for government. Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are investigating a Channel 4 News undercover report that suggested senior Reform figures discussed disguising foreign-origin donations. The same investigation also covers whether Nigel Farage, Reform’s leader, should have declared a £5 million gift from Harborne received shortly before his election to the Commons in 2024.
Background and legislative context
Last week MPs backed measures to cap overseas political donations at £100,000 and to suspend funding through cryptocurrency, though the proposals still await approval by the House of Lords. Ministers argue the rules would block foreign money from influencing elections; Reform UK contends the legislation is designed to choke its funding. The party’s finances have been under public scrutiny since an undercover Channel 4 News broadcast highlighted possible attempts to conceal foreign sources.
Official statements & responses
Reform UK maintains that it has done nothing unlawful and will fully cooperate with the police investigation. Harborne, speaking to The Telegraph, described his contributions as a “philanthropic gift to our country” and said he regularly gives around £1 million a month to Reform.