Crypto donors pledge £72m to back Reform UK campaign

A group of cryptocurrency industry figures has pledged £72 million to bankroll Reform UK’s campaign for the next general election, organisers announced this week in London and in meetings with senior party officials. The funds are intended for digital advertising, hiring local organisers and voter outreach across England, Scotland and Wales.

The money will be channelled through a mix of direct donations to Reform UK and independent campaign vehicles that support its candidates. Reform UK confirmed it had received commitments from multiple donors in the crypto sector and said the party will deploy funds immediately to expand its campaign infrastructure nationwide.

Party officials said some backers made their wealth through cryptocurrency exchanges, trading firms and blockchain investments. Officials described the donations as motivated by a desire to influence policy on taxation, regulation and economic competitiveness.

A Reform UK spokesperson provided a statement: “The donations will help the party reach voters across the country and build a nationwide campaign operation.” The party added that all contributions will be reported in line with Electoral Commission rules.

Under UK electoral law, donations above set thresholds must be declared. The Electoral Commission requires disclosure of donor identity for sums above £7,500 to national parties and has rules on permissible sources and donor residency. The commission can investigate donations and issue fines where rules are breached.

Donations from the cryptocurrency sector have risen in recent years, with several individuals and firms increasing political giving. Reform UK leadership said it will publish required declarations and comply with regulatory checks as donations are processed. The party has started allocating parts of the pledged sum to digital advertising buys and to regional organising hubs.

Opposition parties and campaign finance observers have raised concerns about large donations from a concentrated group of wealthy backers, calling for clear reporting and governance. Campaign finance experts note the Electoral Commission has the power to examine and report on donations and to take enforcement action if needed.

Reform UK, which grew out of the Brexit Party, has outlined policies including lower taxes, stricter immigration controls and changes to public spending. The party plans to announce further details of its campaign strategy and candidate lists in the coming weeks, and the Electoral Commission will publish donation returns showing individual contributions once they are formally recorded.