A gift of five million, donations and shady business: the dark net that finances Farage's ultra party
Un artículo de El Diario.es revela una red financiera compleja que sostiene al partido ultra de Nigel Farage, Reform UK. La investigación, iniciada por The Guardian, mostró que Farage recibió un regalo de 5 millones de libras de un multimillonario, Christopher Harborne. Además, se descubrieron donaciones secretas, préstamos ocultos y transacciones sospechosas que involucran a figuras cercanas a Farage, como George Cottrell, un estafador convicto con vínculos con Harborne. La policía metropolitana ha interrogado a dos personas relacionadas con estas actividades, mientras que bancos alertaron sobre transacciones sospechosas. A pesar de esto, Farage fue reelecto como diputado tras renunciar temporalmente a su escaño para evitar investigaciones parlamentarias. La red incluye a Harborne, Cottrell, su madre Fiona, Farage y Richard Tice, quien tiene conexiones con la familia Cottrell. Esta red parece ser fundamental para mantener el partido en funcionamiento, lo cual ha generado controversia y críticas.
Nigel Farage has regained his parliamentary seat after winning the Clacton by-election with 63% of the vote, despite widespread boycotts by major political parties. The result, announced on Friday, August 14, 2026, marks a significant moment in British politics, as Farage’s victory appears to have been secured against a backdrop of ongoing investigations into the financial practices of his party, Reform UK. The by-election, held in the Essex constituency, saw minimal participation, with only 43% of voters casting ballots, a figure lower than previous years but consistent with the pattern of partial elections where only one seat is at stake. The outcome was achieved despite efforts by the Labour Party and other established parties to block the contest, which they viewed as a challenge to their authority. Farage, who had resigned from Parliament mid-term in July 2026 to avoid potential parliamentary inquiries into allegations of financial misconduct, orchestrated the by-election as a strategic move. His decision to step down was intended to circumvent scrutiny over his acceptance of a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne, among other financial controversies. However, the by-election allowed him to reclaim his seat and continue leading Reform UK, a far-right party known for its anti-immigration stance. Farage did not attend the official results announcement, instead celebrating his win at an airport event dubbed “Farage Fest,” attended by supporters and media aligned with Reform’s ideology. In a statement, he claimed that a coordinated campaign aimed at undermining the election had been thwarted, though no security threats were publicly confirmed by local authorities. The police and district officials stated they had adequate resources to ensure the safety of candidates during the voting process, and no incidents of disorder were reported. The by-election has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Bridget Phillipson, leader of the Labour Party, described the result as a distraction rather than a genuine endorsement of Farage’s leadership. She argued that the election failed to address the broader issues surrounding Reform UK’s finances, including the controversial £5 million gift from Harborne and undisclosed donations. These allegations have sparked calls for further inquiry into the party’s funding sources, particularly given the involvement of figures such as George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and close associate of Farage. Cottrell, known as “Posh George,” has been linked to multiple financial transactions involving Reform UK. According to reports, he transferred over $2 million to his mother, Fiona, in 2024, coinciding with her substantial donations to the party. Cottrell is also reportedly connected to Richard Tice, another key figure within Reform UK, who has long been associated with Farage. Together with Harborne, Cottrell, and Fiona, these individuals appear to form the core financial backbone of the party, enabling its rapid rise in popularity ahead of recent elections. Despite the controversy, Farage’s re-election suggests that his base continues to support his leadership. His ability to secure a majority in a low-turnout election underscores the polarized nature of British politics and the growing influence of far-right movements. The situation raises questions about the transparency and accountability of political financing, especially as investigations into Reform UK’s financial dealings intensify. As the political landscape shifts, the focus will remain on how these financial ties impact the legitimacy of Farage’s leadership and the broader implications for democratic governance in the United Kingdom. The coming months will likely see increased scrutiny of the party’s financial structures and the legal actions taken by those implicated in alleged wrongdoing.
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