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Nigel Farage Resigns as MP Amid Crypto Donor Gifts Probe
Reform UK leader steps down, will contest by-election after parliamentary commissioner investigates gifts from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and convicted fraudster George Cottrell.
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Nigel Farage resigned as a Member of Parliament on Tuesday, confirming he will seek re-election in a by-election while the UK parliamentary standards commissioner investigates gifts from figures linked to the crypto industry.
Speaking during an X livestream, the Reform UK leader said he stepped down as the MP for Clacton to let local voters decide whether he should continue representing them while the inquiries run their course. Farage insisted he had “done nothing wrong” and had not broken any laws or misused public money.
Two separate matters are under review. One involves gifts from Christopher Harborne, a crypto billionaire who Farage said provided funds to cover personal security costs. The other involves George Cottrell, a figure with a previous fraud conviction tied to a crypto casino. Farage described the donations as unconditional gifts.
He accused established politicians of using what he called “foul means” against him, saying the investigations prompted his decision to resign and contest the seat again. The by-election timetable remains uncertain. The London Standard reported that procedural steps could take weeks or even months. Farage won the Clacton seat in the July 2024 general election with 46.2% of the vote.
Earlier reports in May stated that Harborne gave Farage a gift valued at about $6.7 million. At the time, Farage described the payment as a reward for his role in campaigning for Brexit.