Labour asks Electoral Commission to investigate claims Farage broke electoral law by not disclosing gifts – UK politics live

Ministers are introducing new measures to increase transparency in political funding, including restrictions on donations from foreign-based benefactors and a £100,000 cap for individuals moving to the UK. These changes aim to prevent foreign influence and ensure the legitimacy of donating companies through new checks. The government will also require political candidates to disclose donations above £2,230 received before becoming a candidate. These announcements coincide with renewed scrutiny of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's finances, as he faces a potential second investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner into benefits received from crypto entrepreneur George Cottrell before he became an MP. Reform UK maintains these were personal gifts not requiring disclosure.

Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, is facing new allegations regarding the non-disclosure of gifts. A newspaper reported that a convicted fraudster funded his security and staff prior to him becoming a Member of Parliament. An MP has requested that parliament's standards commissioner investigate these claims. This development comes as Farage is already under investigation by the parliamentary anti-sleaze watchdog for failing to disclose a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Reform UK is currently leading in opinion polls.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing scrutiny over undeclared financial gifts, leading to suspended press conferences and media appearances. He is under investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog for a £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Additionally, an opposition politician has requested a new investigation into donations from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster who previously served prison time for wire fraud and has been described as a close associate of Farage. Cottrell reportedly provided Farage with funding for staffing and security before the 2024 general election. Farage denies wrongdoing, calling the scrutiny an "establishment hit job," while a Reform UK spokesman confirmed Cottrell's past financial support. Potential breaches of parliamentary conduct rules could lead to suspension and trigger a by-election in Farage's constituency.

The Labour party has asked the Electoral Commission to investigate claims that Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, may have broken electoral law by failing to disclose gifts. This comes as parliamentary authorities are already examining a £5 million donation made to Farage by crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. When questioned about whether the parliamentary commissioner for standards should investigate gifts from George Cottrell, a minister stated it was a matter for the commissioner. The article also notes Farage has hinted at press regulation, while a minister expressed concern about a Reform government using its power to control the press.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage may have breached parliamentary rules by failing to declare financial benefits received from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, in the year before his election. According to a Sunday Times report, Cottrell provided funds for Farage's security, drivers, staff, and accommodation. Cottrell, who was jailed in the US in 2017 for money laundering, also reportedly paid for social media staff and allowed Farage to use a London townhouse. A spokesperson for Farage denied any rule breaches, calling the story "baseless and contrived." A Liberal Democrat MP has called for an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, citing the MPs' code of conduct which requires declaration of benefits over £300 related to political activities.