Reform UK has received a record £36 million donation from British cryptocurrency billionaire Ben Delo, marking the largest single donation ever given to a political party in the United Kingdom. Delo, who stated his intention was to ensure a "fair fight and a level playing field," announced the substantial contribution in an article published in The Daily Telegraph.

This donation comes at a critical time for Reform UK, which has faced scrutiny over its fundraising practices. The party leader, Nigel Farage, expressed that he was "honoured and humbled" by the significant financial backing.

Delo plans to donate £1 million monthly until the latest possible date for a general election in 2029. However, he has opted to provide the entire sum upfront to preempt any potential government efforts to cap large donations. Currently, there are no limits on the amount UK-based donors can contribute to political parties, though Labour previously imposed a £100,000 cap on donations from British citizens residing overseas.

The Sheffield-born billionaire has already contributed £4 million to Reform UK and has indicated his intention to relocate back to the UK from Hong Kong to continue his support for the party. Notably, Delo received an unconditional pardon from former US President Donald Trump last year concerning a Bank Secrecy Act violation.

Delo articulated his motivation in The Telegraph, writing that he desires "a fair fight and a level playing field," contrasting his stance with those he perceives as hindering democratic competition. He suggested that Reform UK should "spend less time trying to raise funds to compete on equal terms and more time preparing for government."

Reform UK's fundraising has been under investigation by the police regarding allegations of breaches of foreign funding laws, following a report by Channel 4 News. The party has denied any wrongdoing and pledged full cooperation with the inquiry. Separately, Nigel Farage is under investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner concerning a £5 million cash gift from a Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor ahead of the 2024 election, which he argues was a private gift not requiring declaration.

The Metropolitan Police are also examining whether payments made to Reform UK in the run-up to the last election adhered to donation laws. This includes donations from Fiona Cottrell, mother of George Cottrell, a known ally of Farage, and a £1 million payment from a company controlled by Reform's deputy leader, Richard Tice, which also received funds from Cottrell.

Recent restrictions on donations from Britons living abroad have sparked controversy, with Reform UK and its donors accusing Labour of attempting to impede their party's progress. The government has also proposed measures within the Representation of the People Bill to limit overseas voters moving to the UK from donating more than £100,000 for their first year in the country.