Reform UK Cuts Crypto Sponsors, 600+ Tickets

Reform UK Cuts Crypto Sponsors, 600+ Tickets

Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage, is downplaying its cryptocurrency connections at its three‑day annual conference in Birmingham. No cryptocurrency firms appear on the sponsor list, a change from the previous year when digital‑payments company Zebec Network was a prominent backer. Benefits previously offered to the crypto sector, such as free conference tickets and direct access to senior Reform officials, have been curtailed, according to a source.

The shift coincides with a parliamentary investigation into whether Farage should have declared a £5 million (approximately $6.8 million) donation received from Thailand‑based crypto investor Christopher Harborne. Reform UK is instead emphasizing growing engagement with foreign governments and major businesses. About a dozen countries are expected to send ambassadors or representatives, including India, Italy, Hungary, Poland, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella is also slated to speak.

The conference’s first business day on Thursday will feature companies such as construction group Keltbray, equipment manufacturer JCB, social‑media platform TikTok and Heathrow Airport, alongside other major technology firms. More than 600 tickets have been sold; a full‑price ticket costs £495 and an evening dinner is priced at £395.

Reform currently holds eight of the 650 seats in the House of Commons and is positioning itself as a contender for power in the next general election, which must be held by 2029. Labour’s support has drawn level with Reform since Prime Minister Andy Burnham took office in July, according to Bloomberg’s average of opinion polls.