Reform UK’s £72m donations may be caught by new bill, Rayner suggests

Minister points to legislation’s retrospective effect, but Reform says it is confident funding is within the law

Jessica Elgot Deputy political editor

Published Sep 13, 2026

Reform UK’s £72m donations may be caught by new bill, Rayner suggests

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Reform UK’s record £72m in donations from two crypto billionaires could be caught in a new bill which will apply retrospectively, a cabinet minister has suggested.

Labour MPs have voiced anger on internal WhatsApp groups that the government did not act last week to restrict domestic donations in the elections bill after two donors – Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo – gave Reform UK a total of £72m over the weekend.

Source: The Guardian ↗

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Reform UK’s £72m donations may be caught by new bill, Rayner suggests

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