Crypto-billionaire gives Farage’s Reform UK record £36mil donation

A cryptocurrency billionaire named Ben Delo has announced a record £36 million donation to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, the largest single gift in British political history. Despite Reform UK being embroiled in several funding scandals, Delo gave the donation because the party lacked long-term financial backing from established rivals like Labour and the Conservatives.

The 42-year-old crypto-magnate, who pleaded guilty to a Bank Secrecy Act violation in 2022 but received a presidential pardon in 2025, stated his intention to contribute £1 million monthly until the next general election in 2029. Delo, based in Hong Kong, has plans to relocate back to Britain before a proposed cap on foreign donor contributions is implemented.

This donation surpasses the previous record of £9 million, set by another crypto-billionaire, Christopher Harborne, last year. Reform UK, founded in 2021 from Farage's pro-Brexit campaign, had been leading in polls but has recently seen its lead slip to Labour due to funding controversies. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's potential replacement of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister is seen as a boost to the ruling party's prospects.

The news of Delo's mega-donation to Reform UK arrives just days after police widened their criminal investigation into allegations of illegal donations, adding pressure to Farage, who has faced scrutiny over his party's financial arrangements and a separate £5 million gift from Harborne. Farage has denied any wrongdoing and expressed gratitude for Delo's confidence in the party.