The Labour chair has given Nigel Farage 24 hours to notify security services about an alleged phone hack by Russia-linked actors or the party will report it themselves. In a letter to the Reform UK leader, Anna Turley stated it was in the public and national interest to ensure a suspected overseas intrusion on a senior politician’s device by a hostile state receives proper investigation. A Reform spokesperson indicated the incident had already been shared with the relevant authorities, without specifying which ones. Doubts persist regarding Farage’s assertion in a Sunday newspaper that foreign state actors, likely from Moscow, accessed his phone and disclosed details of a £5m donation from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne, who is based in Thailand. Turley requested that Farage explain the purpose of the funds, received ahead of the 2024 general election. Farage first described the sum as intended for security costs but later said it rewarded his Brexit campaigning. According to Reform sources cited by the Mail on Sunday, after the Guardian disclosed the undeclared gift, Farage grew suspicious and submitted his phone for forensic review by counter-espionage specialists. The review reportedly found malware, possibly Russian in origin, that affected his phone, email and bank accounts. Turley wrote that if true, this would amount to serious cybercrime and a potential hostile-state action against the leader of a British political party. She added that the alleged offence carries wider implications for national security, political integrity and public trust in democracy. The letter asked Farage to confirm urgently whether he had notified police or security services, including the National Cyber Security Centre. It warned that without confirmation within 24 hours, Labour would report the matter itself based on public statements and published reports. Former National Cyber Security Centre head Ciaran Martin described Farage’s account as unsubstantiated and lacking merit, noting it would be hard to confirm Russian involvement from phone analysis alone. He urged formal reporting to authorities. The donation occurred before Farage declared his candidacy and while he was not an MP, so he maintains it was a private matter not requiring disclosure. Parliamentary rules require declaration of potentially relevant interests from the 12 months before becoming an MP. The parliamentary commissioner for standards has opened an inquiry. A Reform UK spokesperson said the matter had been reported to the relevant authorities and further comment would be inappropriate during ongoing investigations.
