The Man Behind the Record-Breaking Donation to Reform UK: Christopher Harborne

Who is Christopher Harborne?

Christopher Harborne has recently made headlines as the man behind a staggering £9 million donation to Reform UK, the political party led by Nigel Farage. This donation is notable not just for its size, but because it represents the largest single donation from a living person in the history of UK politics, according to data from the Electoral Commission.

Born in Britain, Harborne is a businessman with a diverse portfolio of companies that employ over 600 people globally. However, he is not a typical British resident; he is also a citizen of Thailand, where he has lived for the last 20 years under the name Chakrit Sakunkrit. His dual identity adds an intriguing layer to his political engagements.

A History of Political Donations

Harborne has a longstanding history of financial contributions spanning multiple political parties in the UK. Since his first recorded donation in May 2001 to the Conservative Party, where he gifted £10,000, his contributions have amounted to nearly £2 million by October 2022. In contrast to many donors, Harborne’s allegiances have not remained static; he has also supported the Reform UK party, first donating £200,000 in April 2019.

This willingness to switch his support underscores a broader trend of wealthy individuals navigating the political landscape depending on their interests and beliefs.

Support for Nigel Farage

Harborne’s relationship with Nigel Farage is highlighted by several significant financial gestures. Earlier this year, he made a personal donation of £27,616.76 to enable Farage to attend Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Additionally, following an attempted assassination of Trump, he paid £32,836 for Farage and a staff member to fly to the United States.

The nature of Harborne’s donations raises questions about the way financial influence operates within British politics and whether such monetary support translates into political capital.

Previous Contributions to Boris Johnson

Harborne’s financial backing extends even to individual politicians, most notably Boris Johnson, for whom he contributed £1 million in 2022. This donation stands out as one of the largest ever made to a single UK politician. Additionally, he served as an advisor to Johnson during his visit to Kyiv in 2023, further intertwining his business and political endeavors.

Background of the Recent Donation

Harborne’s most recent £9 million donation to Reform UK doesn’t just break it down into historical context; it surpasses the previous record held by Lord David Sainsbury’s £8 million donation to the Liberal Democrats in 2019. Additionally, Harborne’s cousin, Lord John Sainsbury, made history posthumously by leaving over £10.2 million to the Conservatives in his will. This intricate web of familial connections complicates the narrative around political finance in the UK.

Financial Sources and Business Ventures

So, where does Harborne’s fortune stem from? Multiple companies fall under the AML Global umbrella, including one registered in the UK. This company specializes as an international jet fuel broker, boasting contracts worth around $39 million (£29 million) awarded by the US Department of Defense—a lucrative line of business with considerable geopolitical implications.

Moreover, Harborne was an early investor in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, reflecting a savvy approach to emerging financial technologies. His LinkedIn profile indicates that he chairs Sherriff Global Group and has an impressive educational background, having attended prestigious institutions such as INSEAD business school, Cambridge University, and Westminster School.

Reform UK’s Rise in Donations

Electoral Commission records reveal a remarkable trend for Reform UK, which reported the highest volume of donations of any party in the third quarter of 2025, totaling £10,526,846. In stark contrast, the Conservatives reported £7,038,861, Labour brought in £2,564,786, and the Liberal Democrats received £2,174,712. This surge in support signals a reshaping of the political landscape and the increasing relevance of parties outside the traditional two-party system.

In summary, Christopher Harborne’s multifaceted life as a businessman and political donor offers a captivating glimpse into the intersections of wealth, influence, and political power in the UK. His record-breaking contributions to Reform UK and beyond create a rich tapestry of narratives surrounding how individuals can shape political climates through financial support.