Reform UK Secures £100,000 Donation Amid Controversy

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has received a substantial donation of £100,000 from a design and architecture firm that previously faced a winding-up petition from the tax authorities. The donation, made in three installments in June 2023, raises questions about the financial health of the donor, Interior Design Landscape, which reported a tax liability of over £200,000 in its last filings.

The party has been actively seeking funds from a diverse range of private sources, with its treasurer, Nick Candy, indicating a focus on high-net-worth individuals in both the UK and low-tax jurisdictions. This strategy comes as Reform UK enjoys increased popularity in the polls, prompting a surge in donations from various contributors.

Reform UK’s treasurer, Nick Candy, has been pivotal in fundraising efforts, aiming to attract affluent backers. The firm that provided the recent donation, Interior Design Landscape, was founded in 2013 and is registered in the UK. Its sole owner is identified as John Richard Simpson.

The firm describes itself as “one of London’s leading luxury interior designers,” yet its website lacked contact information until inquiries were made. The company has utilized stock images to showcase its projects, which range from Hampstead Heath to Mayfair. According to filings with Companies House, the firm had assets of £99,000 and has been subjected to multiple strike-off attempts for late filing of accounts.

Earlier this year, HM Revenue and Customs issued a winding-up petition against the company. This legal action is considered a last resort for HMRC, with their website stating, “We will only apply to the courts to make a person or company insolvent as a final course of action, after we have considered all other ways to recover a debt.” A spokesperson for Interior Design Landscape has stated that the winding-up petition stemmed from a dispute that has since been resolved.

The spokesperson emphasized that the company complies fully with UK legal and regulatory obligations and insisted that it has no connections to the British Virgin Islands, despite its original incorporation. They further noted that the firm’s asset figures in the 2024 accounts do not reflect the current financial status, as new accounts are pending filing.

When questioned about the donation’s legitimacy, a spokesperson for Reform UK asserted that they conducted all necessary checks to confirm that the donor is a permissible source, complying with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPER Act).

Reform UK has seen a significant influx of donations in recent months. Among the notable contributions, Nick Candy has personally donated £500,000, while party policy chief Zia Yusuf has contributed over £400,000. Other significant donors include Fiona Cottrell, who has provided £750,000, and billionaire Bassim Haidar, who donated £225,000. This summer also saw donations from Johan Christofferson, a hedge fund manager, and Robert Tchenguiz, a property tycoon.

The financial dynamics surrounding Reform UK highlight both the party’s rising influence and ongoing controversies regarding its funding sources. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these donations will likely continue to attract scrutiny.