Farage Says He Discussed Politics Return Before 2024 UK General Election

Nigel Farage has told the BBC he discussed the potential liabilities of returning to politics before the 2024 UK general election, following a Sunday Times report that he had negotiated a deal with then-Reform leader Richard Tice to come back and 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 was not a deal or an agreement.

The Gift Controversy

Labour said Farage's remarks had blown a gaping hole in his argument for not declaring a 5 million pound gift from British cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, which he received before becoming an MP. Farage has repeatedly argued the gift was an unconditional personal donation for his security, with no political dimension. Reform's opponents say he should have declared it in the MPs' register of interests when he was elected in July 2024.

Standards Investigation and By-Election

The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner was investigating whether Farage broke the rules, but the process was suspended when he stood down as Clacton MP last month to force a by-election on 13 August. Farage said he made this decision so the people of Clacton could be the judges of his actions. If he wins the by-election, the investigation will resume. Follow UK Politics for updates.