Arabic version: إصلاح المملكة المتحدة يؤمن تبرعات كبيرة من مستثمري العملات المشفرة

Reform UK has solidified its fundraising lead with significant contributions from two overseas British crypto billionaires. According to BBC News, Hong Kong-based Ben Delo donated £4 million, while Christopher Harborne, residing in Thailand, contributed £3 million. These donations were made just before the government announced a £100,000 cap on donations from British citizens living abroad.

The recent filings from the Electoral Commission reveal that Delo’s contributions included £2 million on January 14 and another £2 million on March 2. Harborne’s £3 million donation occurred on January 23. These funds represent a substantial portion of the £9.3 million in private donations reported by Reform during the first three months of the year, accounting for around one-third of the total £20.7 million declared by all political parties.

Reform’s fundraising efforts have significantly outpaced those of Labour and the Conservatives, who each reported around £4 million in private donations during the same period. This surge in funding follows a previous quarter where Reform received more than £5.4 million in large donations, the highest among parties as they geared up for the upcoming May elections.

The situation has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the newly proposed donation cap. Reform has accused Labour of attempting to stifle its financial support. The cap, intended to curb potentially impermissible foreign donations, is set to be applied retrospectively from March 25, prompting concerns among Reform’s donors. Delo has expressed intentions to return to the UK to continue supporting Reform, while Harborne has hinted at possible legal challenges against the cap.

As the political landscape shifts ahead of the next general election, which must occur by 2029, the implications of these donations and the government’s response to them will be closely watched.