Key facts
- Nigel Farage admitted George Cottrell paid for social media filming and allowed him to use a London home.
- Farage described the support as 'totally undeclarable' and irrelevant to his political activities at the time.
- He also discussed a £5m gift from businessman Christopher Harborne, which he believes did not require declaration.
- Farage defended Reform UK against scrutiny over a £500,000 donation from George Cottrell's mother, Fiona.
- The £500,000 donation is under police investigation to determine the true source of the funds.
- Farage has called a byelection in his Clacton constituency.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has admitted that his close associate George Cottrell provided financial support before the last general election, including paying for social media filming and allowing Farage to use one of his London homes. Farage insisted that this support was 'totally undeclarable' and irrelevant to his political activities at the time, as he was working as a broadcaster and influencer with a significant social media following.
In an interview with the Triggernometry podcast, Farage discussed his financial backing, including a £5m gift from businessman Christopher Harborne. He acknowledged that the parliamentary standards system might rule against him but claimed he had received advice from an international lawyer stating the £5m did not need to be declared due to its unconditional nature. He also stated that Cottrell has provided no financial support since Farage was elected MP in July 2024.
Farage also defended his party against scrutiny over a £500,000 donation from George Cottrell's mother, Fiona, which is currently under police investigation to determine the true source of the funds. Farage suggested this investigation is part of a coordinated effort to undermine Reform UK, referring to it as a 'conspiracy'. He highlighted that the donation was reported to the National Crime Agency in September 2024 and investigated by police in spring 2025.
Reform UK is also facing scrutiny over an additional £1m from Fiona Cottrell sent before the last election to Britain Means Business, a company controlled by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice. Of this amount, £500,000 was subsequently transferred to Reform UK. Reports indicate Fiona Cottrell's funds were routed via a UK bank account of an Australian money exchange platform called Oneify, which George Cottrell also opened an account with in May 2024.
Lawyers for George Cottrell stated that any donations made by his mother were entirely her own decision and that suggestions of impermissible donations by him are unfounded. Fiona Cottrell has declined to comment on the donations. Farage has called a byelection in his Clacton constituency, though major parties are boycotting it, to allow voters to decide on his representation.