Nigel Farage has been accused of 'dodging scrutiny days before crucial local elections' after withdrawing from a planned television interview on Sunday. The Reform UK leader was scheduled to appear on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, but the presenter informed viewers that Mr Farage's team had indicated he had 'changed his mind'.
Political Reactions
A Labour source commented: 'Reform are dodging scrutiny days before crucial local elections. Could it be because Nigel Farage doesn't want to talk about failing to declare £5 million? If Reform can't even show up to answer basic questions, they don't deserve your vote on Thursday.'
Other party leaders appearing on the programme also criticised Mr Farage for avoiding scrutiny. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated that Mr Farage was 'too scared' to be interviewed, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski remarked that the Clacton MP 'didn't even bother to turn up today because he's on the run'.
Reform UK's Response
In a statement to Metro, a Reform spokesman said: 'Nigel Farage is campaigning in Clacton this weekend instead.'
Mr Farage is under pressure following revelations last week that he failed to declare a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire shortly before being elected as an MP in 2024. The disclosure emerged just days before voters head to the polls for crucial local elections across parts of England, Scotland, and Wales. Reform UK is projected to make significant gains, according to predictions.
The Undeclared Donation
The Reform UK leader received the sum from Thailand-based tycoon Christopher Harborne. Parliamentary rules require new MPs to declare political donations and gifts received in the year before entering Parliament. The £5 million does not appear in the members' register of interests. Mr Farage maintains that the seven-figure sum was not a political gift but was provided to cover his personal security costs, as the Home Office had declined requests for protection.
Labour's Anna Turley stated: 'Nigel Farage appears to have broken the rules again by failing to declare this cash from his billionaire backer. It's not good enough for Reform to gloss over these egregious acts and further erode public trust in politics.'
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake added: 'As a new Member of Parliament, Mr Farage was obliged to report to the House of Commons all political donations and political gifts he received during the previous 12 months. The Conservatives are today referring Nigel Farage to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. This £5 million raises serious questions.'
Mr Harborne has donated £22 million to Reform since 2019. At the time of the £5 million donation in 2024, Mr Farage had stated he had no intention of standing for Parliament. Reform UK claims it is confident that rules have been followed, asserting: 'This was a personal unconditional gift.'
