Electoral Commission probes Nigel Farage over undeclared Dubai hospitality from wealthy donors

The Electoral Commission confirmed it will investigate a complaint alleging that Nigel Farage and senior Reform UK members enjoyed lavish hospitality in Dubai that was not reported as donations. Labour MP Phil Brickell wrote to the commission, asking whether goods or services provided at a May 2025 two-day trip - a reception hosted by the Binghatti family and a lunch funded by Indian billionaire Sunny Varkey - should have been declared under UK electoral law.

The Binghatti family, led by Forbes-listed Hussain Binghatti Aljbori, and Varkey have not been accused of wrongdoing. Reform UK and Farage have not listed the expenses as donations, prompting concerns about possible breaches of rules requiring disclosure of contributions over £11,180. The probe follows separate Scotland Yard inquiries into the party’s foreign funding practices. Babelfish founder Dale Vince criticised the situation, calling for a ban on political donations.