Nigel Farage says questions over his finances are part of ‘coordinated pile-on’

Nigel Farage has accused critics of launching a “coordinated pile-on” against him, claiming that questions over his financial backing are part of a broader campaign to undermine his political standing. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference GB (CPAC GB) in Docklands, east London, the leader of Reform UK described the scrutiny as a form of “demonisation.” He cited the revelation by The Guardian that he had received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne prior to the last election as a key point of contention. Farage said the situation had left him “dehumanised in the most extraordinary way” and accused both Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of leading a “uniparty” effort to marginalise him. The CPAC GB event featured a lineup of hard-right figures, including US rightwing influencer Jack Posobiec, who gained notoriety for promoting the false Pizzagate conspiracy theory. Farage addressed the crowd with a mix of defiance and nostalgia, referencing American political tactics. “Americans will remember this playbook, won’t they?” he said, suggesting that similar strategies had been used to target him and his colleagues. He also criticized Burnham, whom he called a “dud,” and urged him to call a general election immediately. “The British public have had enough of this game of musical chairs that is taking place in Downing Street,” he said, framing the current political climate as chaotic and in need of decisive action. Farage’s remarks came amid ongoing investigations into his financial disclosures. He is currently under scrutiny by the House of Commons standards watchdog following his failure to declare the £5m gift from Harborne. Additional inquiries are underway regarding potential financial support from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and close associate. On the same day that Burnham officially took leadership of the Labour party, Farage praised the election of Colin Sutton, the new police and crime commissioner for Norfolk, as evidence of Reform’s growing influence in centre-right politics. Sutton secured victory with a majority of 14,299, despite a voter turnout of just 17%. The timing of Farage’s speech coincided with the closure of nominations for the Clacton byelection, which he triggered after resigning as an MP due to intense financial scrutiny. In a bid to reclaim his seat, Farage framed his candidacy as a test of public support against the “establishment.” “I’ve taken a punt, because I like a gamble,” he said, asserting that the people of Clacton would determine his fate. His primary opponent in the race is Count Binface, a controversial figure whose participation has drawn criticism from other major parties, which have dismissed the byelection as a “circus” and a “fake byelection.” Other candidates include rightwing activist Laurence Fox and local residents. Reform UK has launched a campaign urging its supporters to rally behind Farage, calling the byelection a “defining moment for our movement.” Activists have been encouraged to travel from across the country to show solidarity, with messages emphasizing the significance of the contest. However, internal tensions within the party have surfaced, with some members expressing concerns over the focus shifting away from other electoral campaigns, such as the Greater Manchester mayoralty race. Recent polls indicate Reform is trailing behind the Greens in local elections, raising questions about the party’s strategic direction. Tax expert Dan Neidle has warned that Reform UK could face a £3m tax bill stemming from the £5m donation from Harborne. He noted that if the donation was intended as compensation for Farage’s political work, it might fall under disguised remuneration rules, making it taxable. While Reform has denied the accuracy of The Guardian’s reporting, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over Farage’s political ambitions. As the byelection approaches, the scrutiny surrounding his finances and the legal implications of his financial dealings remain central to the narrative.