1 min readNew DelhiMay 16, 2026 10:54 AM ISTReform UK party founder Nigel Farage. (File Photo)UK far-right politician Nigel Farage has made headlines again after the country’s Parliamentary Standards Commissioner launched an inquiry into an undeclared $7 million gift he received in the run-up to the 2024 election.The Reform UK party founder has maintained that the money from Thailand-based billionaire Christopher Harborne was a “reward for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years”. He told news website The Sun that he was under “no obligation” to declare the gift because it had been given before he became an MP.01Central figure in BrexitFarage became one of the most recognisable faces in Brexit, the campaign for the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU). He spent decades campaigning against EU membership through the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP).02He currently leads Reform UKAfter achieving his objective with the 2016 referendum, Farage founded the Brexit Party, a right-wing populist front, in 2018. He later renamed it to Reform UK. His politics focuses on immigration and taxes.03He was elected to the European Parliament multiple timesBefore Brexit, Farage served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1999 to 2020, the year the UK officially withdrew from the EU. During his tenure, he was known for his speeches critical of the EU establishment.04He is a major media personality in BritainBeyond his role as a politician, Farage has hosted programmes. He currently hosts ‘Farage,’ a prime-time television and radio show on GB News, talking about political issues.05Gaining popularityThe probe comes at a time when his party is gaining in popularity among voters amid the calls for UK PM Keir Starmer to step down. The party won more than 1,450 council seats at the expense of the Labour Party and the Conservatives. This follows the party's breakthrough in town halls last year. Currently, PM Keir Starmer is facing slipping approval ratings, and his leadership has reportedly come under scrutiny within the Labour Party.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Nigel FarageAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogIran US War News LIVE Updates: Lebanon, Israel extend truce; Tehran ready for more US talks6 minutes agoKerala SSLC 10th Result 2026 LIVE Updates: 4.09 lakh pass; result out at prd.kerala.gov.in14 minutes agoJustice Swarana Kanta Sharma won’t hear excise case, to continue with contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, others3 hours agoTrump-Xi Summit LIVE: Meeting ends with Xi and Trump claiming progress but differences remain15 hours agoHBSE 10th Result 2026, bseh.org.in Highlights: Scorecards out at bseh.org.in, check list of toppers23 hours ago