Christopher Harborne, the Thailand-based crypto investor who has given millions of pounds to Reform UK, would be unlikely to get around a planned cap on overseas political donations even if he has registered to vote in the UK, it is understood.
The Labour government has proposed a cap on foreign donations to political parties, which would limit contributions from individuals not resident in the UK. Harborne, who is a British citizen but lives in Thailand, has donated over £4 million to Reform UK since 2023, according to Electoral Commission records.
Under the proposed rules, donations from individuals who are not registered to vote in the UK would be banned. Even if Harborne registers to vote, his donations could still be restricted if he is not a UK resident for tax purposes. The government has said the cap is designed to prevent foreign interference in British elections.
Reform UK has defended accepting the donations, saying they were made legally and transparently. However, the party has faced criticism from other political groups who argue that large donations from overseas donors undermine trust in the political system.
The proposed cap is part of a broader package of electoral reforms that the government plans to introduce before the next general election, which is expected in 2029.
