Farage’s Reform UK gets biggest donation ever from crypto billionaire: Reports

British crypto billionaire Ben Delo, co-founder of BitMEX, has made the largest single donation in the history of British politics, giving £36 million ($49 million) to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The DPA and other media outlets reported on Saturday that this unprecedented contribution aims to level the playing field for Reform UK in upcoming elections.

Delo, who previously donated £9 million to the party in August, stated that he wanted to ensure a "fair fight" at the polls. Farage expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am honored and humbled that Ben Delo has shown such confidence in Reform. … Ben knows that we are the only party that can turn the country around and reverse Britain’s decline."

Delo had previously been the second-largest donor to Reform UK, following billionaire Christopher Harborne. This recent donation has raised concerns among lawmakers about the potential influence of digital asset donations on UK politics, leading to discussions about the possibility of making a permanent ban on crypto donations. Farage's political fortunes have been closely linked to contributions from individuals connected to the crypto industry, including Harborne and George Cottrell.

Farage resigned his position as a member of Parliament in July amid the crypto scandal, resulting in a contentious by-election that he won with 63% of the vote. The donation from Delo, equivalent to £1 million per month for five years, was paid in full upfront to prevent any potential blocks. Delo, along with other BitMEX co-founders Arthur Hayes and Samuel Reed, had previously faced federal charges in the US related to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.