Nigel Farage claims questions over his finances are part of 'coordinated pile-on'

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has accused those raising questions about his financial backing of 'demonising' him as part of a 'coordinated pile-on' to stop his party. In one of his first speeches since two parliamentary standards inquiries opened into his financial support, Farage said he had been 'dehumanised in the most extraordinary way' in recent months, following the Guardian's April revelation that he received a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne before the last election.

Addressing the audience at the rightwing Conservative Political Action Conference GB (Cpac GB) in London's docklands, Farage criticised Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, labelling them leaders of the 'uniparty'. The event featured hard-right figures from around the world, including US influencer Jack Posobiec, who previously promoted the fabricated Pizzagate conspiracy theory.

Farage told the rapturous audience that Americans would remember this 'playbook' as it happened in the US. He claimed he and his colleagues were being judged guilty every single day. On the day Burnham officially became Labour leader, Farage called him a 'dud' and demanded an immediate general election.

Farage stated that Reform UK raised more money last year than any other political party and is preparing to win the next general election. He spoke as nominations closed for candidates in the Clacton byelection, triggered by his decision to quit as an MP amid financial scrutiny. Farage admitted he was 'taking a punt' and letting the people of Clacton decide whether to back him or the establishment.

His highest-profile opponent in Clacton is Count Binface, as other major parties boycotted the contest, calling it a 'circus' and a 'fake byelection'. Reform UK has urged activists from across England to travel to Essex to support Farage, describing the byelection as of 'enormous importance'. However, one Reform figure indicated the party may have given up on the Greater Manchester mayoral election, with a poll placing Reform third behind the Greens.

Farage is subject to a standards inquiry for not declaring the £5m gift, and another inquiry over claims he was financially supported by crypto gambler and convicted fraudster George Cottrell. It also emerged on Friday that police are investigating a donation to Reform's Robert Jenrick while he ran for Conservative leader, with allegations the £37,500 donation came from a foreign donor. Jenrick has denied any wrongdoing.