Labour reports Farage hack allegations to security officials after he fails to
The Story
Labour has reported the alleged hacking of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s phone to the Metropolitan police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), stating that Farage himself had not done so. Labour chair Anna Turley wrote to Farage, saying the alleged crime has wider national security and democratic implications, and has contacted the NCSC and the Met to ensure the suspicions raised by Reform are investigated. Reform UK had previously suggested that the Guardian’s revelation of a £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne originated from material leaked from Farage’s phone, email and bank accounts.
Key Facts
- Labour chair Anna Turley asked the Met and NCSC to investigate Farage’s claims that his phone was compromised by hostile actors linked to Russia.
- Reform UK said it had reported the matter to “the relevant authorities” but Labour challenged the party to refer to the NCSC; it is understood this had not happened by Thursday afternoon.
- Farage is understood not to have reported the matter to the Met, which is now considering reaching out to him.
- Labour’s contact with the Met does not constitute a formal crime report, so an investigation is unlikely on that basis.
- The Guardian revealed last month that Harborne gave Farage £5m in 2024, shortly before Farage announced he would stand for parliament.
- Farage initially said the money was for security costs, then later called it a “reward” for Brexit campaigning.
- Reform sources claimed the Guardian story originated with a hack by Russian spies; the Guardian called that “absurd” and an attempt to deflect scrutiny.
- Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake said Farage had spent years “making excuses for Putin” but was now “playing the Russia card” over donations.
- Labour MPs Phil Brickell and Lloyd Hatton have written to HMRC about whether Farage owes tax on the gift; tax expert Dan Neidle said he “probably doesn’t owe tax”.
Conflicting Reports
The source article presents conflicting claims between Reform UK (alleging a Russian hack) and the Guardian (describing the claim as “absurd” and deflecting). No independent verification is provided.
Still Unclear
Whether a hacking incident actually occurred; whether Farage will report to the Met or NCSC; whether any investigation will be opened; whether Farage should have declared the donation or paid tax on it.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Anna Turley – Labour chair
- Nigel Farage – Reform UK leader
- Christopher Harborne – Thailand-based cryptocurrency billionaire
- Kevin Hollinrake – Conservative party chair
- Phil Brickell – Labour chair of anti-corruption all-party parliamentary group
- Lloyd Hatton – Labour MP on public accounts committee
- Dan Neidle – tax expert
- Reform UK spokesperson (unnamed)
- NCSC spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: The Guardian
