FARAGE ALLY WARNS REFORM LEADER MUST ANSWER QUESTIONS ON £5M DONATION

Tim Montgomerie, a senior Reform UK supporter, has stated that party leader Nigel Farage "cannot hide away" from scrutiny over a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The donation was made weeks before Mr Farage stood in the 2024 general election. Mr Farage previously responded to questioning about the gift by telling BBC Breakfast that how he spent the money was "none of your business" and insisting that "no one cares" about it.

Mr Montgomerie, who defected to Reform UK in 2024 after 33 years as a Conservative, said Mr Farage "has to find better answers" to questions about the donation. Mr Montgomerie acknowledged that security concerns may justify Mr Farage's reluctance to discuss the matter, but stated that questions would "keep coming" because people are "puzzled by it". He noted that such large unsolicited gifts are unusual in normal circumstances, contrasting the £5 million sum with typical presents such as chocolates or champagne.

Labour chair Anna Turley used Mr Montgomerie's comments to criticise Mr Farage, stating that the remarks showed Reform backers were "waking up" to the issue. Ms Turley said the donation represents a "scandal" that proves Mr Farage is "unable to face the basic scrutiny the public expects of all political leaders". Mr Montgomerie is the founder of ConservativeHome and currently serves as honorary president of Reform UK's Christian Fellowship following his defection to the party.