Labour's Rayner Raises Concerns Over £72 Million Crypto Donations to Reform UK

Angela Rayner, the housing secretary, has voiced significant concerns regarding two substantial donations totaling £72 million made to Reform UK by crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. These donations, each amounting to £36 million, were made over the weekend and have raised alarms about potential legal ramifications under new parliamentary legislation targeting foreign contributions.

Legislation to Backdate Rules

Rayner emphasized that the legislation being pushed through parliament aims to ensure the integrity of British democracy by preventing wealthy individuals from influencing political processes through large donations. "The important thing… is that we need to have secure elections that are for the people, and that you can't buy your way into our democracy," she stated in an interview with Sky News. The proposed law will have retroactive effects, covering not only these recent donations but also others that may have circumvented existing rules.

Investigations Surrounding Reform UK

In addition to the controversy over the donations, Rayner pointed out that Reform UK and its leader, Nigel Farage, are currently under scrutiny for other financial dealings. Farage is already being investigated by the parliamentary standards commissioner regarding a £5 million donation from Harborne. Furthermore, the Metropolitan Police are looking into allegations of attempted illegal foreign donations by key aides within the party.

Reform's Response

Despite the scrutiny, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick has defended the donations, calling them a "breakthrough moment" for the party and stating that the contributions signify confidence in their political agenda. He asserted that their donors do not seek any favors in return, contrasting Reform UK's practices with those of other political parties known to reward their benefactors with titles and contracts. Jenrick described both Delo and Harborne as patriotic businessmen dedicated to the party's mission.

Source: www.independent.co.uk