Second crypto billionaire donates record $49m to far-right Reform UK
Two cryptocurrency billionaires have donated a combined $97 million to the UK's far-right Reform party. The donations have sparked controversy and a police investigation into the legality of foreign political funding.
Why it matters
Large, sudden political donations from international figures raise significant questions about campaign finance transparency and the influence of wealth in national politics.
The two donations increase the total sum of money pledged to Reform since Friday to $97m.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage, flanked by Deputy Leader Richard Tice, left, and Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf at the party's annual conference [File: Oli Scarff/AFP] By Daniel Khalili-Tari Published On 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026 A second British billionaire has made a record donation of almost $49m to the far-right Reform UK party , matching the amount pledged by another businessman the day before.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph British newspaper on Saturday, donor Christopher Harborne said the $48.7m (£36m) donation was a “philanthropic gift” to the country, adding that he felt “inspired” to match the contribution made by fellow billionaire Ben Delo 24 hours earlier.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in