Nigel Farage, the face of Reform UK, has been accused of going to ground after a bruising week involving a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire. Now, the party's former chairman, Dr David Bull, has suggested he should take a break from politics, warning that "politics is a ruthless business."
Reform UK is a right-wing political party in Britain, founded in 2018 as the Brexit Party and rebranded in 2021. It is currently led by Nigel Farage, a veteran Eurosceptic who previously led UKIP and campaigned for Brexit. The party has seen a surge in support in opinion polls over the past year, positioning itself as a challenger to both the Conservatives and Labour.
“Reform UK's leadership crisis, donation probe, and what it means for British politics”
The recent controversy centres on a £5 million donation from party donor Christopher Harborne, a crypto billionaire, made weeks before the 2024 general election. Farage initially said the money was for private security for the rest of his life, but later claimed it was also a "reward for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years." The Commons sleaze watchdog is now investigating whether he failed to declare the money properly. In a BBC Breakfast interview, Farage insisted he could spend the £5 million "on cars if I wanted to" and told journalists that what he did with the money is "none of your business."
Dr David Bull, who served as Reform's chairman until May 2024, spoke out as a "friend and a colleague." He stepped down because he was "physically very unwell," adding that the job "nearly killed me off." He warned that building a political party is "incredibly difficult," citing the challenge posed by Restore Britain, a new right-wing group. Bull also stated that "the party is way bigger than Nigel," suggesting Reform can survive without its founder.
For UK readers, this matters because Reform UK's performance could shape the outcome of the next general election. The party has been riding high in the polls, but recent setbacks—including the donation scandal and a by-election loss in Makerfield to Labour's Andy Burnham—have dented its momentum. A recent poll for The i Paper showed that a Labour Party led by Andy Burnham would leapfrog Reform in the polls, though the lead was described as "wafer thin." Reform UK could split the right-wing vote, potentially benefiting Labour or the Conservatives.
Q: What is the £5 million donation controversy about? Nigel Farage accepted a £5 million gift from party donor Christopher Harborne, a crypto billionaire, weeks before the 2024 general election. The Commons sleaze watchdog is investigating whether he broke rules by not declaring it. Farage has given conflicting explanations for the money, initially saying it was for private security and later calling it a reward for his Brexit campaigning.
Q: Is Reform UK bigger than Nigel Farage? According to former chairman Dr David Bull, yes. He said "the party is way bigger than Nigel" and that Farage should take a break. However, Farage remains the party's most recognisable figure and its leader. The party has faced internal challenges, including the departure of Bull and the rise of rival right-wing groups like Restore Britain.
Q: What happened in the Makerfield by-election? Reform UK suffered a major setback when it lost the Makerfield by-election to Labour's Andy Burnham. The loss came amid a difficult period for the party, which has seen its poll lead diminish following the donation scandal and fewer public appearances by Farage.
What happens next? The Commons investigating committee will determine whether Farage breached rules over the donation. If found in serious breach, he could face sanctions. Meanwhile, Reform UK must navigate internal leadership questions and external competition from the right, all while trying to maintain its polling position ahead of the next general election.