Reform UK has received a record £36m donation from British crypto billionaire Ben Delo, according to a report by the BBC. The donation, the largest single contribution ever given to a UK political party, comes as the right-wing party faces scrutiny over its finances and as the government seeks to limit donations from British expats. Delo, who has previously donated £4m to Reform, said he was making the move to ensure a 'fair fight and a level playing field' for the party.

The donation is significant as it surpasses the £9m contribution from Thailand-based Christopher Harborne, which was previously the largest single donation to a UK political party by a living person. Delo, who was pardoned by US President Donald Trump for a breach of anti-money laundering laws at his crypto trading platform, BitMEX, has also stated he will move back to the UK from Hong Kong to continue his support for Reform.

Reform's fundraising has been under investigation, with police launching an inquiry into allegations of breaking foreign funding laws following a Channel 4 News broadcast. The party denied any wrongdoing and said it would cooperate with the investigation. Party leader Nigel Farage is also under scrutiny for not declaring a £5m gift from Harborne, which he claims was unrelated to his political activities.

Labour has criticized the donation, with a spokesperson stating that Farage is 'still up to his neck in scandal' and that the party must 'come clean with the public' and 'co-operate fully with the police'. Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Lisa Smart accused Farage of trying to 'bring Trump's America to our shores by buying his way into power'.

The government has introduced restrictions on donations from British citizens living abroad, which Reform and its donors have criticized as an attempt to stymie their progress. The Representation of the People Bill, which includes these restrictions, is set for its second reading in the Lords. The donation has sparked debate over the influence of mega-donors in UK politics, with Labour MPs calling for a cap on donations to protect British democracy.

The donation raises questions about the transparency and accountability of political funding in the UK, particularly given the ongoing investigations into the party's financial practices. The full implications of the donation and its impact on the political landscape remain to be seen.