Nigel Farage is facing calls to clarify whether he reported allegations of Russian spies hacking his phone to expose a hidden £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire.
Initially, the Reform UK leader stated that the controversial payment from tycoon Christopher Harborne was intended for his personal security. Later, it was described as a reward for his involvement in the Brexit campaign.
Following the disclosure of the donation, Reform UK asserted that a detailed investigation conducted by counter-espionage specialists uncovered attempts by hostile state actors, likely connected to Moscow, to compromise Farage’s phone, email, and bank accounts.
Labour Party’s Anna Turley has demanded that Farage address whether he reported this incident to the police or a security agency. Failure to do so within 24 hours could lead Labour to pursue an investigation.
In a letter to Farage, Turley highlighted the absence of public confirmation regarding any reports to law enforcement or the National Cyber Security Centre. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for any evidence of foreign interference to be handed over for thorough independent investigation.
Farage did not disclose the £5 million gift in the members’ interests register, having received it shortly before his election as an MP in 2024. This failure is now under scrutiny by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, while the Electoral Commission deliberates on launching its inquiry. Harborne, who donated £12 million to Reform UK in the previous year, is based in Thailand.
In response, a spokesperson for Reform stated that the incident had been reported to the relevant authorities, refraining from further comment due to ongoing investigations.
