UK government moves to tighten residency rules for large political donors
The government plans to tighten residency requirements for political donors, adding a £100,000 annual cap and a 12-month residence rule for those returning from abroad.
The government is set to tighten residency criteria for political donors, introducing a £100,000 annual donation cap retroactive to 25 March and requiring a minimum 12-month UK residence for those returning from abroad. The move follows revelations that crypto-billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne each contributed £36 million to Reform UK while living overseas. Reform leader Nigel Farage says the gifts complied with current law but cannot confirm future legality.
Amendments supporting the reforms have passed the House of Commons and are now being examined by the House of Lords. Communities Minister Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said the aim is to align donor residency with broader policy and ensure a genuine UK connection. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds denied the changes target any party, while Liberal Democrat Lisa Smart criticised the proposals as insufficient. Trade unions, represented by Unite’s Sharon Graham, called for higher caps on individual donations.
Why it matters
The rules could limit wealthy donors' influence on UK politics and reshape party financing.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Richard Tice condemns Chinese imports while Reform UK merch made in China is on sale
- Sep 4 National Rally leader Jordan Bardella delivered an English speech at Reform UK’s gathering, emphasizing tighter ties with the British party and joint immigration control.
- Sep 4 Reform UK invited Bardella to speak at its Birmingham conference.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 The memorandum was signed, moving the idea from conference discussion to a formal agreement.
- Sep 11 Crypto founder Ben Delo has donated £36 million to Reform UK, the largest party contribution on record, as police investigate alleged illegal foreign funding.
- Sep 12 The donation was announced as a record contribution while a police probe into foreign funding continues.
- Sep 12 Christopher Harborne announced a further large gift to Reform UK.
- Sep 13 Reform UK received two £36 million crypto donations, totalling £72 million.
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