‘It is unsustainable’: Reform’s billionaire donors inspire panic in Westminster Reform UK has received substantial donations totaling £7 million from two crypto billionaires, Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, which dwarfs Labour’s private fundraising efforts. Both donors, who have lived abroad, may bypass the new £100,000 cap on overseas electors, raising concerns about the influence of mega-donors in politics. Despite calls for stricter caps and transparency, the government appears hesitant to implement broader measures, partly due to fears of backlash and an ethical stance on individual funding rights.

• Reform UK received £7 million from crypto billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, significantly outpacing Labour’s private donations.
• Harborne and Delo, based abroad, may avoid the new £100,000 overseas donor cap, with potential legal challenges and moves back to the UK.
• The influx of mega-donors like Harborne, who previously funded the Brexit Party, is evident in Reform UK’s increased visibility and resources.
• Labour MPs are panicking, with some advocating for broader donor caps, while the government expresses concerns about transparency and individual rights to fund politics.
• Campaigners like Clean Up Westminster and Spotlight on Corruption advocate for ending the influence of wealthy donors to ensure a more equitable democracy.
• There is limited optimism for significant changes to electoral finance laws, though some hope Andy Burnham might be more receptive to electoral reform.