Why is Nigel Farage facing renewed scrutiny over his finances?
When Farage became an MP, he booked a £9,253 trip to Belgium donated by Cottrell in April 2024 before the election. He recorded a donation of £15,276 from Cottrell for a US domestic flight in December 2024.
But he did not disclose further support from Cottrell or the £5 million he received from Harborne, arguing he was not required to do so under the rules.
In interviews in late June, the Reform UK leader said he had chosen to fork out £5m from Harborne for future security costs, arguing he would need protection “for the rest of his life”.
But he stressed that the gift was “unconditional” and how he spent it was “entirely up to me.” Speaking to ITV, he said he had not yet spent the money.
In an interview after the Sunday Times story was published, Reform Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said Cottrell had contributed to Farage’s staff and security costs before becoming an MP.
“If it is in a purely personal capacity, you are allowed to accept a gift, support, whatever the name is from a personal friend before you become an MP,” he added.
Farage has yet to face media questions about the support provided by Cottrell, detailed in the Sunday Times report. In a statement, he said he was “following the rules” and was the victim of a “corporate job.”
Cottrell’s lawyers said he disputed the “claims and allegations” in the Sunday Times report and was reviewing the matter with legal representatives.
