Reform UK Faces Legal Risk on £72m Crypto Donations
Angela Rayner states that £72 million in crypto donations to Reform UK may be illegal under new Labour legislation. The funds were received from two billionaires within 48 hours.
The UK government is moving to classify £72 million in recent donations to Reform UK as potentially unlawful. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner stated that the new bill will be retrospective. This legal change targets foreign and non-resident contributions to political parties.
Reform UK received two separate payments of £36 million each. The donors are identified as Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. Both are described as cryptocurrency billionaires. The funds were transferred on consecutive days this week.
Government Cites Democratic Integrity
Rayner argued that wealthy individuals cannot purchase influence in elections. She referenced the Rycroft review published on 25 March. The government claims the new laws close loopholes for overseas donors. Labour distinguishes these rules from trade union contributions.
The parliamentary standards commissioner is already investigating a prior £5 million donation. This earlier sum came from Christopher Harborne. He previously resided in Thailand. The current legislation aims to prevent similar transactions from evading scrutiny.
Reform UK Defends Financial Support
Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick rejected calls to return the money. He labeled the donors patriotic British businessmen. Jenrick stated the party seeks no favors such as peerages. He described the funds as essential for election readiness.
Ben Delo was pardoned by Donald Trump in the US. He had been convicted of failing to establish anti-money laundering controls. Jenrick characterized Delo as a philanthropist. He highlighted Delo’s charitable work for autism causes.
Ongoing Investigations Surround Party Finances
Metropolitan Police are investigating Reform UK’s fundraising practices. A Channel 4 investigation revealed attempts to raise illegal foreign donations. Two senior aides resigned following the broadcast. Dan Jukes and James Orr left their positions.
Christopher Harborne also funded a protest regarding the Chagos Islands. This event had links to Reform UK. The party insists its donors expect nothing in return. The legal status of the £72 million remains under parliamentary review.
