Farage Calls Financial Scrutiny a Coordinated Effort to Undermine Reform UK

Nigel Farage has claimed that those questioning his financial support are attempting to demonise him as part of a coordinated effort to hinder Reform UK.

Speaking shortly after two parliamentary standards investigations into his finances were launched, the Reform UK leader said he felt “dehumanised in an extraordinary fashion” over recent months, following a Guardian report in April that he had accepted a £5 million gift from crypto‑billionaire Christopher Harborne ahead of the last general election.

At the right‑wing Conservative Political Action Conference GB (CPAC GB) held in London’s Docklands, Farage attacked Andy Burnham, the Labour leader, and Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, describing them as heads of a “uniparty”.

The conference featured hard‑right speakers from across the globe, including US commentator Jack Posobiec, who previously amplified the debunked Pizzagate conspiracy that falsely accused prominent Democrats of paedophilia.

Before an enthusiastic crowd, Farage remarked: “Americans will recognise this tactic, won’t they? It played out in the United States. I have felt myself and my allies judged guilty, day after day.”

On the day Burnham officially assumed the Labour leadership, Farage labelled the Makerfield MP a “dud” and urged him to call a general election.

“The British public are tired of the endless musical chairs in Downing Street,” he said. “We need an immediate general election so the electorate can decide the country’s future.”

Farage noted that the election of Colin Sutton—a veteran who led several high‑profile murder investigations during his 30‑year career—as Norfolk’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, secured with a 14,299‑vote majority on a 17 % turnout, demonstrates Reform UK’s growing influence in centre‑right politics.

“We have raised more funds in the past year than any other political party,” he added, “and we are doing everything possible to prepare for and win the next general election, whenever it is called.”

Farage spoke as the nomination period closed for candidates hoping to contest the Clacton by‑election, which was triggered by his resignation as MP amid intense scrutiny of his finances.

“I’ve taken a gamble because I enjoy a risk,” he said. “The voters of Clacton will decide whether they support me or the establishment.”

Farage’s main rival in the Clacton contest is Count Binface, after the other major Westminster parties boycotted the race, labelling it a “circus” and a “bogus” by‑election. Additional candidates include right‑wing activist Laurence Fox and several local residents.

Reform UK has urged activists to back Farage, describing his showdown with Binface as a “defining moment for the movement”. A party message sent to supporters across England encourages them to travel to the Essex town—whether they live nearby or far away—stressing that the by‑election is of “enormous importance”.

A Reform UK figure from north‑west England, who received the WhatsApp message, said it seemed the party had abandoned its effort to win the Greater Manchester mayoralty to replace Burnham. A recent poll placed Reform in third position behind the Green Party.

The Reform leader is under a standards investigation for failing to disclose the £5 million gift, and now faces a second probe into allegations that he received financial backing from crypto‑gambler and convicted fraudster George Cottrell, a close associate.

On Friday it emerged that police are also examining a donation to Reform’s Robert Jenrick during his Conservative‑leadership bid. Authorities have received claims that five separate warnings indicated the £37,500 contribution came from a foreign source, according to the i newspaper. Jenrick has consistently denied violating any electoral regulations.

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