Reform UK Receives Second Record £36 Million Donation in 48 Hours
On Saturday, Christopher Harborne, a notable figure in cryptocurrency, revealed that he’s donating £36 million (around US$49 million) to Reform UK, matching a remarkable donation made to Nigel Farage's party just a day earlier. Within 48 hours, two individuals have contributed a staggering £72 million, despite ongoing allegations of funding issues that the party has denied. Harborne, who is Reform's top donor, mentioned in a Telegraph piece that he felt inspired to match Ben Delo’s donation from Friday. Delo’s gift surpassed the previous high of £10 million given to the Conservatives by John Sainsbury in 2022. These contributions aim to enhance Reform's voter appeal ahead of the anticipated 2029 election. Harborne clarified he expects nothing in return, just wants a party prepared for government. Meanwhile, a protest sign about party donations featuring Farage appeared near the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.
Key facts
- Christopher Harborne donated £36 million (US$49 million) to Reform UK on Saturday.
- The donation matched a record £36 million pledge from Ben Delo made a day earlier.
- Reform UK received £72 million from two donors in less than 48 hours.
- Harborne disclosed the donation in a Telegraph newspaper article.
- Delo's donation exceeded the previous £10 million record left to the Conservatives by John Sainsbury, who died in 2022.
- The combined sum exceeds what Labour or the Conservatives spent in last year's election campaign, per Electoral Commission figures.
- Reform UK faces allegations of funding irregularities, which it denies.
- The next UK election is due by 2029.
Entities
Artists
- Christopher Harborne
- Ben Delo
- Nigel Farage
- John Sainsbury
Institutions
- Reform UK
- Labour Party
- Conservatives
- Electoral Commission
- Telegraph
- Houses of Parliament
Locations
- Britain
- London
- United Kingdom