Labour has reported the alleged hacking of Nigel Farage's phone to the Metropolitan Police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) after the Reform UK leader failed to do so himself. The Labour chair, Anna Turley, urged the authorities to investigate Farage's claims that his phone was compromised by hostile actors linked to Russia.
Reform UK has suggested that the Guardian's revelation about a £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne originated from material leaked from Farage's phone, email and bank accounts. The party stated it believed his information had been obtained by 'hostile actors, almost certainly linked to Moscow'.
Reform said it had reported the matter to 'the relevant authorities' without specifying which ones. Labour challenged the party to refer the case to the NCSC, but it is understood that had not happened by Thursday afternoon. Farage is also understood not to have reported the matter to the Met, which is now considering reaching out to him.
In a letter to Farage, Turley described the alleged crime as 'incredibly serious' with potential implications for national security and political integrity. She confirmed she had contacted the NCSC and the Met to ensure a proper investigation. A Reform spokesperson said it had been reported to relevant authorities and declined further comment.
The Guardian has dismissed suggestions that its reporting was based on a Russian hack, calling Farage's claim 'an attempt to deflect attention from legitimate scrutiny of his financial affairs'. Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake accused Farage of 'playing the Russia card' over his donations.
