Farage says he discussed return to politics months before general election
Nigel Farage has confirmed he discussed the financial implications of returning to lead the Reform party with Richard Tice in early 2024, following a £5 million gift from a donor. The revelation has sparked political controversy regarding whether the gift should have been declared in the MPs' register of interests.
Why it matters
The story highlights ongoing scrutiny of political transparency and the financial backing of populist political movements in the UK.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Richard Wheeler Political reporter Published 26 minutes ago Nigel Farage has told the BBC he discussed the "potential liabilities" of returning to politics before the 2024 general election.
It comes after The Sunday Times , external reported Farage had negotiated a deal in March and April 2024 with then-Reform leader Richard Tice to return to lead the party.
Farage confirmed he spoke with Tice in spring 2024 to scope out what would happen to Reform's finances if he returned but said it "wasn't a deal, it wasn't an agreement", adding that talks came "quite some time after" he received a £5m gift from a billionaire donor.
Labour said Farage's remarks had "blown a gaping hole" in his argument for not declaring the gift after becoming an MP in July 2024.
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