If we’ve learned anything in the past week, it’s that a sudden £72 million windfall doesn’t suddenly take all your problems away. Reform have found out that, with great financial assistance, comes even greater scrutiny – and now the Electoral Commission has taken an interest in their recently acquired war chest.
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All that money, but unable to spend most of it? Reform face donation uncertainty
As reported in the Sunday Times this week, Vijay Rangarajan – Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission – has issued a statement confirming that there will be a review into party spending limits, following a request submitted by the government. It’s understood all major parties will be consulted.
Billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne did their best to torpedo Nigel Farage’s attempts to position Reform as a party for the people, handing over two donations of £36 million each to the right-wing organisation last weekend. Reform have popped the champagne corks, but others are less jubilant.
For starters, recent legislation passed in the House of Commons earlier this year could immediately invalidate the windfall. Given that neither Delo nor Harborne lived in the UK 12 months prior to March 2026, Reform face a significant hurdle to ensure the money can be legally handed over.
Electoral Commission set to review party spending limits
There is also scepticism regarding how effective this multi-million pound handout will be. Reform have already shown how chaotic their governance can be at a local level, with several council authorities under their control slipping into chaos. Without professionalising swiftly, Reform risk losing further public trust.
And, thanks to Rangarajan’s intervention, there are now doubts over how much of the money the turquoise rosettes will be allowed to spend. The Electoral Commission review will look at spending limits, the interaction between party and candidate spending, and requirements regarding financial disclosures:
“We have begun our review into spending limits following the Government’s request. It is important that any recommendations are based on evidence and a thorough understanding of how the current rules operate in practice. We will engage with all political parties as the review progresses.”
“Trust in elections depends on people believing that the rules are fair and transparent, and how much parties and campaigners can spend is a significant part of that picture. The framework must give voters confidence that our elections are being contested on a level playing field.” | Vijay Rangarajan