FARAGE DID NOT DECLARE GIFTS FROM CONVICTED CRYPTO ENTREPRENEUR

Nigel Farage did not declare gifts and benefits provided by George Cottrell, a crypto entrepreneur convicted of wire fraud in the United States, according to Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's economic spokesperson. Jenrick stated on Sunday that Farage had accepted staff, security and accommodation from Cottrell before becoming an MP. Jenrick claimed these were personal gifts provided in a purely personal capacity and therefore did not require declaration. The Sunday Times had revealed that Cottrell hired social media staff for Farage and allowed him to stay in a townhouse near Buckingham Palace.

Jenrick acknowledged that Cottrell paid for staff to manage Farage's social media presence in 2024 and that Farage stayed in Cottrell's house on multiple occasions. Jenrick also confirmed that Farage accepted private security paid for by Cottrell. Jenrick argued that because Farage was not an MP at the time, the support did not relate to parliamentary duties. Jenrick said Reform UK had been "completely open" about the arrangement.

The matter raises further questions about Farage's finances before and after entering parliament. The Guardian reported earlier this year that Farage had failed to declare a £5m donation from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before announcing his intention to stand for parliament. Parliamentary rules require MPs to declare gifts, benefits and hospitality received in the year before their election if they could relate to political activities. Reform UK has denied that Farage breached the code of conduct.