The Reform UK website was updated on Thursday to enable cryptocurrency donations, alongside a disclaimer noting that all contributions are subject to Electoral Commission rules.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced that his party will now accept political donations via bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, marking a UK first. The former Brexit campaigner made the declaration during a high-profile appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, as part of a broader pitch to transform Britain into a global leader in digital finance.
Farage told the audience he wants the UK to become a “crypto powerhouse” and revealed Reform UK’s plans to table a comprehensive cryptoassets and digital finance bill should the party enter government. He said the proposed legislation would reduce capital gains tax on cryptoassets from the current 24% to 10%, and introduce protections for cryptocurrency users and traders.
Nigel Farage criticised both the current Labour government and the former Conservative administration for what he called their failure to embrace cryptocurrency.
“We are the first political party in Britain that can accept donations in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies,” Farage said. “As of now, provided you are an eligible UK donor, you can support Reform UK using digital assets.”
The Reform UK website was updated on Thursday to enable cryptocurrency donations, alongside a disclaimer noting that all contributions are subject to Electoral Commission rules. Anonymous donations remain prohibited.
Farage, who was introduced at the conference as a “UK presidential candidate”, also unveiled a vision for integrating digital assets into Britain’s financial infrastructure. This includes the creation of a “bitcoin digital reserve” within the Bank of England and new laws to prevent banks from debanking customers over their use of crypto.
“My message to the British public, especially young people, is simple: help us to help you bring our country into the 21st century,” he said. “Let’s recognise that crypto and digital assets are here to stay.”
He criticised both the current Labour government and the former Conservative administration for what he called their failure to embrace cryptocurrency. “Rishi Sunak made one speech about crypto when he was briefly Prime Minister—and nothing came of it. Labour? Well, they’ve got 25 people in Cabinet, and not one of them has worked in private business,” he remarked.
Farage contrasted the UK’s cautious stance with what he called the “forward-thinking” approach of the United States, which he said was already reaping the benefits of early crypto adoption. He praised the US for being “ahead of the curve”, especially in the context of political donations and fintech regulation.
Reform UK, which is officially registered at Companies House as a private company rather than a membership-driven political party, is majority controlled by Farage through a non-profit entity called Reform 2025. The company has just two directors: Farage and tech entrepreneur Zia Yusuf.
A party spokesperson confirmed that cryptocurrency donations are now officially being accepted and further details on the process and legal framework would be released on Friday.
The announcement adds to Reform UK’s growing portfolio of unconventional policies as it positions itself as an anti-establishment force in the run-up to the general election. With this move, Farage is clearly betting that digital currency enthusiasts and younger voters disillusioned with mainstream politics might find a home in Reform UK.
Whether this foray into crypto politics wins traction remains to be seen, but it underscores the party’s intent to court the tech-savvy and challenge the traditional mould of British political finance.
