What you need to know about the huge donations to Reform UK

Reform UK's £72m in donations came from two billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, who are both British and have spent time living overseas.

The huge donations, worth £36m each, were announced days before a bill that could introduce a £100,000 cap on donations from British voters living abroad returns to Parliament.

Reform UK says their donations would still be legal even under the proposed law change. The party's Deputy Leader Richard Tice has said the government is trying to 'retrospectively change the rules' on political donations, ahead of a debate on Monday in the House of Lords.

The BBC's chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman explains why the donations are controversial and what happens next. Follow live - Reform UK receives record-breaking donations

Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne have both donated £36m to Reform UK, with some sources suggesting they may have used their funds for personal gain or other purposes not disclosed.

The proposed law change aims to increase transparency around political donations, but critics argue it could lead to a 'donation tax' and stifle legitimate campaign finance. Reform UK says the party's finances are transparent and in line with existing laws.

The huge donations have raised questions about the role of wealthy donors in British politics and the potential impact on the democratic process.

Reform UK has stated that their donations would still be legal even under the proposed law change, citing the party's right to receive funding from supporters. The party's Deputy Leader Richard Tice has said the government is trying to 'retrospectively change the rules' on political donations, ahead of a debate