Nigel Farage latest: Reform UK leader expected to ‘take a break’ from party amid donations scandal

David Maddox, political editor of The Independent, reports:

Nigel Farage’s friends have told The Independent he is considering “taking a break” as UK Reform leader to clear his name of indecent allegations, but he will not be “running away”.

Mr Farage was discussing his frustrations with friends and allies during a visit to the US to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

He is said to be “angry and depressed” at the turn of events against him and plans to name and shame Sky News journalists who spoke to his daughter this week.

An ally said: “Nigel has been discussing taking a break to clear his name but that doesn’t mean he will resign or give up. “He’s never run away from anything and he won’t run away now.”

They added: “Nigel is really angry, especially about the news of Sky turning up on his daughter’s doorstep.

“You’ll hear a lot about this at the press conference; he hid the receipts and the names.”

The press conference follows a series of scandals involving crypto billionaire Chris Harborne’s £5 million donation and his relationship with convicted criminal George Cottrell, who gave him gifts.

The reform has been reported to the UK leader, the Electoral Commissioner and the Parliamentary standards watchdog.

If he goes on hiatus, deputy leader Richard Tice will step in as interim leader.

Nigel Farage has announced he will make a statement about his political future, hours after he lashed out at a Sky News reporter when she asked him questions about his financial donations.

While returning from Independence Day celebrations in Washington, Farage said, “If you tell your bosses, you will now harass my family. I will suffer the serious consequences. This is what your organization did this morning. Go away.”

Sky News said it had not contacted anyone from Mr Farage’s family about the story.

But the Reform UK leader later said it was a “blatant lie” and accused the broadcaster of “stalking” his daughter at home.

Nigel Farage’s announcement that he would make a statement regarding his future in public life has led to intense speculation that he may resign.

The Reform UK leader was under huge pressure to answer questions about donations he made before becoming an MP.

Mr Farage’s allies have expressed particular concern that he was on loan after questions emerged about his relationship with convicted criminal George Cottrell, The Independent reported.

However, he may also be using this statement to challenge intense criticism.

Nigel Farage has been under huge pressure in recent weeks following a series of scandals over donations to him and Reform UK.

Reports over the weekend revealed that his long-term ally George Cottrell, a convicted felon, had provided funding for security and staff in the year before he was elected.

It is the latest financial scandal to rock Mr Farage, who is already being investigated by the standards commissioner over the £5 million gift the MP received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne.

Nigel Farage is set to make a statement about his “future in public life” as he faces intense scrutiny over donations made by a convicted criminal.

The Reform UK leader wrote on X that he would make a statement at 14:00 today.