Crypto Tycoon’s £9M Gift Shakes Up UK Politics

Christopher Harborne donated £9 million to Reform UK, the largest-ever single donation to a UK political party by a living donor, boosting the party's finances and sparking debate over political funding.

Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency investor with interests in Tether and Bitfinex, has donated £9 million (about $12 million) to the Reform UK party, marking the largest-ever single donation to a UK political party by a living donor. The donation, made in cash, was disclosed by the Electoral Commission and significantly boosted Reform UK's finances ahead of upcoming elections. Harborne, who has previously supported both Reform UK (formerly the Brexit Party) and the Conservatives, has a history of major political contributions. The record-breaking gift has sparked renewed calls from campaign groups for a cap on political donations and comes as the UK considers banning crypto donations to political parties. Reform UK, which has positioned itself as supportive of the crypto industry, has accepted crypto donations this year, but Harborne's contribution was not in digital currency. The donation has drawn attention to the growing influence of crypto-related funds in British politics and has made Reform UK the top recipient of donations among UK parties in the third quarter of 2025.