Crypto investor pardoned by Trump donates £36 million to Farage's Reform UK

Crypto investor Ben Delo, convicted of a Bank Secrecy Act violation and pardoned by President Donald Trump, has pledged a staggering £36 million to Reform UK. The donation, equivalent to £1 million per month leading up to the next national election in mid-2029, aims to support the populist party's efforts to govern. Delo, co-founder of the crypto trading platform BitMEX, expressed his desire to ensure a fair competition between Britain's main parties, Labour and the Conservatives.

Following Reform UK's recent decline in support due to allegations about donations, Delo believes the party should focus more on preparing for government. He argued in an opinion piece for the Telegraph newspaper that Reform UK is taking significant steps toward governance, surpassing Labour's preparations before their 2024 victory.

Reforming's leader, Nigel Farage, welcomed the donation, stating his honor in receiving the support from Delo. The donation surpasses the previous record of £10 million left by British businessman John Sainsbury to the Conservatives. Delo, who has previously contributed £8 million to Reform UK, emphasized his willingness to back the party, despite understanding the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in a politically scrutinized environment.