Key facts
- Reform UK received £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne.
- The donations are the largest received by a UK political party since 2001.
- Nigel Farage plans to use the funds to hire 400 campaign managers.
- Some party activists expressed dissatisfaction with the focus on paid managers over volunteers.
- The party is advertising for over 60 roles, including branch network coordinators and creative positions.
Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has received a substantial £72 million in donations from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, marking the largest sum received by a UK political party since declarations became mandatory in 2001. The influx of cash has raised concerns among some activists about the party's strategy, particularly Farage's announcement that the funds would be used to hire 400 campaign managers in key constituencies.
Online discussions among Reform activists reveal a divide, with some questioning the emphasis on paid managers over grassroots volunteers. One activist posted on a Facebook group, "We need more activists to knock on doors NOT managers," a sentiment echoed by others who expressed concern about the need for volunteers to support the new hires and the potential impact on existing branch members serving in campaign manager roles.
The party is already actively recruiting, advertising for more than 60 positions, including branch network coordinators, campaign managers in cities and towns across Britain, a call centre manager, byelection managers, and a councillor welfare manager. Creative roles such as graphic designer, video editor, and writers are also being sought to enhance the party's digital presence, particularly on platforms like TikTok.
This significant investment in professional organizers is intended to put Reform UK on a "war footing" for the next three years by overhauling its branch network. Additional funds are also earmarked for strengthening the policy apparatus supporting the party's shadow cabinet. Harvey Griffiths, the party's treasurer, is noted as an emerging figure behind the scenes, working to centralize operations at the party's headquarters.