Thai-based crypto donor to Reform may face overseas donation cap
8 reported
A Thailand-based crypto investor who has given millions to Reform UK would likely be unable to bypass a planned cap on overseas political donations even if he has registered to vote in the UK, according to a report. Christopher Harborne, who also gave Reform leader Nigel Farage £5m as a “gift,” has registered to vote in Hampshire, the Times reported. The move could be seen as an attempt to circumvent proposed changes that would impose a £100,000 annual cap on Britons living abroad and block cryptocurrency donations. However, the independent report by Sir Philip Rycroft, a former senior civil servant, recommends the cap apply to “British voters living abroad” based on residency, not just voter registration. Harborne, who has donated £15m to Reform in the past year and has been based in Thailand for over five years, may need to return to the UK to avoid the cap, which would make him liable for UK tax on his estimated £18bn fortune. The Guardian reported that Farage is facing a formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over the £5m gift.
What’s reported
Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based crypto investor, has donated £15m to Reform UK in the past 12 months and gave Nigel Farage £5m as a “gift.”
Harborne has registered to vote in Hampshire, the Times reported.
Proposed changes include a £100,000 annual cap on overseas donations and blocking cryptocurrency donations.
Sir Philip Rycroft’s independent report recommends the cap apply to “British voters living abroad” based on residency, not just voter registration.
Harborne has been based in Thailand for more than five years and uses a Thai name, Chakrit Sakunkrit.
If he returns to the UK, he would be liable for UK tax on his estimated £18bn fortune.
Farage is facing a formal investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over the £5m gift.
Steve Reed, the communities secretary, said legislation would be applied retrospectively from March subject to parliamentary approval.
Key figures
Christopher Harborne (Thailand-based crypto investor, Reform UK donor)
Nigel Farage (Reform UK leader)
Sir Philip Rycroft (former senior civil servant, author of independent report)
Steve Reed (communities secretary)
Sources: The Guardian
