Reform UK receives record £36m donation

Reform UK has received a £36m donation from British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo, the biggest single sum ever given to a political party in the UK.

Delo's donation comes amid scrutiny of Reform's finances and follows last year's £4m donation from him to the party.

Nigel Farage, party leader, said he was 'honoured and humbled' by the gift.

Delo has promised to donate all the money up front in case the government tries to limit mega-donations in future.

Labour has accused Reform of trying to stymie their progress with the donation, citing restrictions on donations from Britons living abroad.

The donation is part of Delo's efforts to support Reform ahead of the 2024 election.

Delo's donation is seen as a significant boost for Reform, which has been under scrutiny over its finances and allegations of wrongdoing.

The Metropolitan Police is also investigating whether payments to Reform in the weeks before the last election complied with donation laws.

Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice received £1m from Fiona Cottrell in June 2024, while party leader Nigel Farage received a £5m cash gift ahead of his election as an MP.

The government has also sought to prevent overseas voters moving to the UK from giving more than £100,000 for a year after their arrival as part of the Representation of the People Bill.

Delo's donation is seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding Reform's finances and Farage's leadership.

The Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart has called on Farage to introduce a cap on political donations, saying it's time for him and Reform to come clean with the public.

Farage has responded by accusing Labour of trying to stifle progress and bringing 'Trump's America' to the UK through his donations.

Delo has previously stated that he will move back to the UK from Hong Kong in order to continue supporting Reform.

Labour has accused Delo and Reform of trying to buy their way into power through donations, saying it's time for Farage and Reform to be held accountable.

The donation is seen as a significant boost for Labour, which could see Farage become the party's leader for the first time in 2019.

Delo has promised to donate all the money up front in