The Rest Is Politics, produced by Goalhanger, and The Observer are joining forces for the first time on a new investigative podcast series examining the money, donors and power networks behind Reform UK: ‘The Rest Is Politics: Who Funds Reform?’
The four-part series will tell the story of Reform through the people who have funded, supported and helped shape the party’s rise - from its origins as the Brexit Party, registered as a business with Nigel Farage at the centre, through to its current incarnation as a serious political force attracting big-money donors from the worlds of finance, property, crypto and Conservative politics, says Goalhanger.
Bringing together The Rest Is Politics’ political analysis, Goalhanger’s production expertise and The Observer’s investigative reporting, the series will examine how Reform was kept afloat in its early years, the role of Richard Tice, Nigel Farage’s return to frontline politics, the party’s push to professionalise after the 2024 general election, and the donors now gathering around it, the publisher continued.
The series will also look at Farage’s own finances, including his earnings outside Parliament, his media work, paid speeches and wider business interests.
Later episodes will explore the party’s mega-donors and the controversies surrounding some of those backing the party, as well as the less visible questions around Reform’s funding, including crypto donations, impermissible donations, links to international networks, and attempts to court wealthy supporters overseas.
The four-part series includes:
- Episode 1: The Missing Millions - How the Brexit Party became Reform, how the party was structured, and the curious story of just how much money it raised in its first year of existence.
- Episode 2: The Money Men - By early 2025, Reform is on the hunt for major donors. This episode looks at who the party is attracting, how it is going about it, and what those donors want to see in return.
- Episode 3: The Crypto Kings - A look at how Christopher Harborne’s record-breaking donations came hand in hand with the party’s adoption of pro-crypto policies.
- Episode 4: Making Money For Nigel - This episode looks at Nigel Farage himself, and how he pushes the boundaries of how elected politicians earn their money - from crypto investments to TV presenting - as well as addressing the tax concerns around his constituency home.
Tom Whiter, general manager, politics & current affairs at Goalhanger said: “This is a bold new step for The Rest Is Politics as we broaden what the brand can do editorially, with Alastair and Rory as editors-in-chief. Partnering with The Observer allows us to develop original journalism that complements the core show, deepens our storytelling, and takes the trust we’ve built with audiences into more ambitious formats. Following the success of our Gen Z series, it’s another example of the bigger, broader stories we want to tell and we’re making the first episode free for everyone.”
James Harding, editor of the Observer added: “With Reform leading in the polls, knowing who funds the party, and the interests and networks surrounding it has never been more important. This series will shine a much needed light on the financial forces driving one of Britain's most significant political movements today”.
The series launches on 29th May, with new episodes released weekly.
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