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Standards watchdog reopens probe into Farage gifts as Clacton rivals react

A potential sanction above 10 days could trigger another Clacton byelection, needing approval from more than 10% of voters, about 7,800 people.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

The UK parliament standards watchdog has reopened its investigation into whether Nigel Farage should have declared gifts he received shortly before the last general election, after Reform UK leader said he stayed away from the Clacton vote count to avoid scrutiny. The probe follows Farage’s increased majority win in the byelection.

According to the Guardian, the investigation centers on a reported 5 million pound personal gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, along with further financial support from Farage’s friend and convicted fraudster George Cottrell, first revealed by the outlet. The standards commissioner reopened the inquiry immediately.

Rival MPs condemned the byelection as needless and argued the renewed probe shows Farage’s attempt to minimize the impact of the financial affairs inquiries has backfired. Labour party chair Bridget Phillipson said he now has “no hiding place” as he faces criticism.

If a separate standards committee of MPs recommends a sanction of more than 10 days of suspension, it could lead to a second Clacton byelection. The process would require approval from more than 10% of Clacton’s electorate, estimated at about 7,800 voters, the Guardian said.

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