Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has received more than £500,000 from overseas entities, companies, and donors since his tenure as a Member of Parliament began. Since July 2024, when he succeeded after seven previous attempts, the former Ukip leader has amassed close to £2 million in income and gifts. Analysis conducted by Desmog reveals that a substantial portion of this income, amounting to £675,000, originates from foreign sources, in addition to his annual MP salary of £94,000. Out of the 28 contributors to Farage, 20 are located overseas, accounting for 71% of his benefactors.

This revelation comes amidst heightened scrutiny on foreign influences in British politics, particularly following efforts by the Labour government to restrict foreign donations to UK political parties. One of Farage’s primary foreign income sources is Cameo, a U.S.-based platform where celebrities create paid video messages, from which he has earned £222,000. He recently ceased offering video messages for £71 each on the platform.

Farage has also received compensation for various international speaking engagements, including a £40,000 payment for speaking at Nomad Capitalist Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nomad Capitalist, headquartered in Hong Kong, specializes in advising affluent individuals on tax optimization. Additionally, Farage has accepted gifts from foreign governments, such as tickets and hospitality valued at £10,000 from the Abu Dhabi government for attending the local Formula One Grand Prix.

Labour’s chair Anna Turley criticized Farage’s absence from his parliamentary duties, highlighting his extensive international travels funded by donors and the substantial income he has received. Despite positioning himself as a representative of working-class constituents, Farage, the highest-paid MP in the UK, has also benefitted from private jet trips worth £85,000 courtesy of major Reform donor Christopher Harborne, a wealthy cryptocurrency investor residing in Thailand.

Tom Brake, Director of Unlock Democracy, emphasized the primary responsibility of MPs to serve their constituents, expressing concern over MPs supplementing their income through foreign sources. Brake underscored the potential risks associated with financial ties to foreign entities, cautioning against undue influence on UK legislators.

The Rycroft Review, authored by former Foreign Office official Philip Rycroft, highlighted the persistent threat posed to British democracy by foreign interests seeking to influence domestic politics. Rycroft warned of the malign intentions of such interference, aiming to sow discord and undermine confidence in the democratic process. Failure to address these threats promptly could result in significant consequences for the integrity of the UK’s political landscape.

Reform UK has been approached for comment on these findings.