Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary inquiry into a £5 million gift he received from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, amid preparations for a by-election in Clacton that he triggered himself. The investigation by parliamentary standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg has been suspended until after the by-election, which could take place on August 13.

Farage, leader of Reform UK, has described the inquiry as “completely subjective,” accusing members of the standards committee of bias, including allegations that some had reported him for Islamophobia. He expressed concerns that the process lacked objectivity. Robert Jenrick, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman, echoed this view, characterizing the investigation as a “kangaroo court” and rejecting criticism that Farage was avoiding scrutiny by calling the by-election before the inquiry concluded.

Jenrick defended the decision during a phone-in program on LBC, responding to a caller who described the by-election as a “political stunt” leading to repeated disruption for voters. Jenrick argued that the by-election was an inevitable outcome given the political context, and noted that major party leaders had pre-judged the case. He cited a tweet from Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch indicating her party would refrain from contesting this by-election but implied readiness to participate in a potential future contest, which Jenrick said contributed to the perception of a predetermined process.

Farage positioned the by-election as a “people versus the establishment” contest, despite Labour and the Conservative Party dismissing the move as a distraction from questions over his financial affairs. Contrary to expectations, both main parties have chosen not to field candidates, with Farage now facing primarily comedic opposition from Count Binface. Farage admitted he had not anticipated being the sole serious candidate.

Central to the controversy is whether Farage should have declared the £5 million gift, which he maintains was personal and unrelated to his political activity. Parliamentary rules require new MPs to register gifts over £300 received in the previous year, unless the gift cannot reasonably be regarded as connected to their official duties. Farage contends the donation falls under this exemption.

Further scrutiny has been directed at Farage’s association with George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster who recruited and financially supported Reform UK’s social media team prior to the 2024 general election. Cottrell, who served an eight-month US prison sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud, has also allowed Farage to use a Georgian property he rents near Buckingham Palace. While reports have labeled Cottrell as Farage’s chief of staff, Reform UK insists he was never an official party employee, describing him instead as an unpaid volunteer. Farage defended his continued links to Cottrell, citing Christian principles of forgiveness.

Mohamed Amersi, a significant donor to Reform UK, stated he would withhold further financial support while the controversy continues. He called on Farage to clarify his finances but acknowledged Farage’s previous contributions to other parties. A Reform spokesperson noted Amersi’s past donations to the Conservative Party.

Should Greenberg’s investigation find Farage in breach, the standards committee will recommend sanctions to the House of Commons, potentially triggering a second by-election. Meanwhile, Farage’s ongoing political future in Clacton remains uncertain as the inquiry and legal process unfold.