Key facts
- Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has called the investigation into Nigel Farage's undeclared gifts a "kangaroo court."
- Pochin suggested the investigation is part of a campaign to prevent Reform UK's success.
- Nigel Farage is being investigated for failing to declare a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne and support from George Cottrell.
- Farage argues the gifts were not political and therefore not subject to declaration rules.
- Major political parties are boycotting the byelection in Clacton where Farage is standing.
A Reform UK MP has escalated criticism of the parliamentary standards system by describing the investigation into Nigel Farage's undeclared gifts as a "kangaroo court." Sarah Pochin, the MP for Runcorn, suggested the process is unfair and part of a broader campaign against Reform UK.
Farage himself has previously stated that the investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog is being used as a political tool. Reform sources have also questioned the legitimacy of the commissioner and committee.
Pochin's remarks echo those of Boris Johnson, who similarly used the term "kangaroo court" when facing findings from the privileges committee. The current inquiry focuses on whether Farage should have declared a £5 million gift from businessman Christopher Harborne received before the last election, and subsequently, support from his friend George Cottrell, which included accommodation and social media filming costs in 2024.
Farage has consistently maintained that the gifts were not political and therefore not subject to declaration. He has stated that advice from an international lawyer indicated the £5 million gift was unconditional and did not need to be declared. The rules require declaration of political gifts and benefits in kind within the 12 months prior to an MP entering parliament.
Farage is currently contesting a byelection in Clacton, where he faces over 30 candidates, none of whom represent the major political parties, as they have chosen to boycott the contest. Should the commissioner find against Farage with a substantial sanction, such as recommending suspension from the Commons, it could trigger a recall petition and a potential second byelection, in which the major parties have pledged to field candidates against him.