Nigel Farage to make statement on his ‘future in public life’

Farage argued that he did not need to declare the gift from Harborne because he received it before he was elected as an MP and it was not political.

His team made a similar argument about why “in-kind” – non-cash benefits allegedly from Cottrell were not recorded.

On Sunday, Farage said in response to the latest news: “I did nothing wrong, I followed the rules and I am now considering taking legal action against the Sunday Times.

“It is now clear that the Establishment will stop at nothing to harm Reformation; we want to shatter their sincere consensus.”

Lawyers released a statement on behalf of Cottrell, saying Cottrell “categorically disputes the allegations and allegations made by The Sunday Times.”

Parliament’s regulation book says newly elected MPs must declare any gifts or social benefits, including accommodation, related to their “parliamentary or political activities” that they received in the 12 months before their election.

There is an exemption for gifts and benefits that are “purely personal”.

The guidance states that MPs should consider “both the likely purpose of the giver of the gift and the purpose for which the gift will be used” when deciding whether to make a declaration.

“If there is any doubt, the benefit must be recorded,” the rulebook adds.

When he became an MP, Farage recorded a £9,253 trip to Belgium donated by Cottrell in April 2024, and later added a £15,276 donation from Cottrell for a US domestic flight he provided in December 2024.

No other endorsements from Cottrell are listed on the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.