Crypto billionaires donate millions to Reform UK, raising concerns about money in politics

Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, received £72 million (around €83.9 million) from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend, prompting concerns about money’s influence in British politics. Ben Delo, co-founder of the BitMEX platform, donated £36 million, and crypto investor Christopher Harborne matched that amount.

Harborne supports Reform UK’s policies, believing they will attract investment, strengthen the economy, and fund public services. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats warned that such large donations from billionaires could corrupt elections and called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to cap donations to protect democracy.

“Nigel Farage wants to bring Trump’s America to our shores by buying his way into power,” Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart said in a statement. “He’s trying to get into Number 10 as if it’s a stop on a Monopoly board,” she added, referring to the prime minister’s residence.

Unprecedented donations in UK politics

These donations are the largest ever to a UK political party, surpassing the total donations received by all parties in 2025, which amounted to £64.8 million (approximately €75.7 million), according to the Electoral Commission.