Reform UK leader Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property in cash shortly after receiving a £5m personal gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne, according to property records seen by Sky News.
The house purchase, completed in May 2024, came weeks before Mr Farage reversed his decision not to stand in the general election.
Politics Hub: Rayner paves way for leadership bid
A spokesperson for Reform said: "The relevant chronology is straightforward. The offer and purchase process for the property commenced before the gift.
"Mr Farage had already passed proof of funds and the relevant checks before receiving the gift. The purchase was therefore already proceeding independently of it."
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is launching an inquiry into whether Mr Farage broke Commons rules by accepting a £5m gift and not declaring it, Sky News understands.
The Guardian first reported that Mr Harborne, a Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor who has become Reform UK's biggest financial backer, gave Mr Farage the money before the 2024 election.
Under the House of Commons code of conduct, "new MPs must register all their current financial interests, and any registrable benefits (other than earnings) received in the 12 months before their election within one month of their election".
Reform UK denies any wrongdoing and says the money was a "personal unconditional gift" unrelated to politics.
Speaking previously about the gift, Mr Farage said: "I've been the most attacked, physically, politician of modern times and yet despite repeated requests to the Home Office and the police for protection and help, I've been denied at every twist and turn. This money is the only way I can look after myself and protect myself for the rest of my life."
The Electoral Commission are also considering whether to investigate the payment to the Reform UK leader.
Mr Harborne made a separate donation to Reform UK of £9m in August 2025, the biggest single donation to a UK political party by a living person.
Read more:
Xi hosts Trump in China
Labour leadership crisis
The rules also state that gifts should be declared if they could "reasonably be thought by others to be related to membership of the House or to the member's parliamentary or political activities".
A spokesman for Reform UK also said: "Mr Farage's office is in communications with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
"We look forward to this being put to bed once and for all."
(c) Sky News 2026: Nigel Farage bought £1.4m property after receiving £5m gift from Brit
King visits Golders Green to show solidarity with Jewish community
Police identify three women whose bodies were recovered in sea off Brighton coast
Second man charged with arson at former synagogue in East London
GDP figures show unexpected growth, as Reeves warns 'now is not the time to put economy at risk'
National Crime Agency reveals the 12 most wanted fugitives it believes are hiding in Spain
Revolut targets summer launch for private banking service aimed at British customers | Mark Kleinman blog
Duke of Sussex concerned by 'deeply troubling' rise in UK antisemitism
Women turning to loan sharks due to debt racked up by abusive partners
