NIGEL Farage failed to register a visit to the US where he headlined a Donald Trump fundraiser, allegedly breaking parliamentary rules.
The Times reports that the Reform UK leader has not revealed who paid for the trip or reported any earnings he made at the event in Tallahassee, Florida, in March.
The event cost attendees $500 a head, with guests able to pay up to $25,000 for a “Trump sponsor” hospitality package, which included a ticket to a VIP reception hosted by Farage.
It also included a photo opportunity with the Clacton MP. Farage missed PMQs to take part in the event where he appeared as a ”special guest”.
It was hosted by the Republican Party of Florida. “President Trump’s decisive win and return to the White House inspires us all to continue the fight for freedom globally,” Farage said in promotional material for the event.
“I’m looking forward to being back in the Free State of Florida to celebrate with all of you.”
He also praised Trump at the event, where he spoke on a podium with US and Florida flags behind him. “Donald Trump is one of the bravest men that has ever lived,” he said, telling the crowd that he believed he would be the next UK prime minister.
“It will be a good thing for America if I win,” Farage said. Farage is the highest-earning member of the current parliamentary cohort, making £1.2 million from GB News appearances alone, and is a paid brand ambassador for a gold bullion company.
MPs must register any visits outside the UK which cost more than £300 where the trip is not “wholly” paid by the MP or public funds.
Fees and “payments in kind” must also be declared separately, within 28 days. The parliamentary commissioner standards can investigate if MPs fail to comply.
“We thank The Sunday Times for bringing this to our attention — the record will be updated in due course,” Farage’s spokesman told the newspaper.
The spokesman declined to comment on who paid for Farage’s flight, if he negotiated a fee, and if so, how much. The newspaper states that a source suggested Farage forgot to file an invoice.
