Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims that a petrol bomb burned itself out after it was pushed through the letterbox and into his home.
Farage told The Telegraph that the lit petrol bomb was pushed into his letterbox early last year, and said that “there are enormous dangers associated with this job”. He also says that he will never be able to take his own security for granted.
Police investigated the attack without identifying any suspects.
Previously, Farage has, among other things, experienced having liquid thrown at him.
Farage said that a personal gift of several million pounds has helped him to cover his security expenses. The gift came from Christopher Harborne, the Thailand-based British billionaire who has donated more than £12 million to Reform UK.
The gift, believed to be around £5 million, was given early in 2024 before Farage re-entered politics in that year’s parliamentary election, which means that it was not declared, as it is not considered a political donation. Money that is a gift is not taxed.
“These funds were given to me so that I could be safe and secure for the rest of my life,” said Farage.
“I have previously tried, without success, to obtain funding for security measures through the Home Office, and I do not believe the state will ever help me. I am entirely on my own and will remain so for the rest of my life, and I must accept that bleak reality. Christopher is a keen supporter who is deeply concerned for my safety.”
Harborne was present when Farage was attacked with a milkshake during the election campaign in Newcastle in 2019, and at that time became concerned about how little protection Farage had access to.
In 2025, Farage experienced that his home was attacked with a petrol bomb.
“It was a clear attempt at arson. I was not at home when it happened, but when I returned and opened the door, I discovered the damage. Fortunately, the fire had extinguished itself on the porch, and we believe that the perpetrators may have been disturbed while carrying it out.
The police immediately launched an investigation. They did their best, but there are no suspects so far.”
This occurred shortly before three arson attacks on properties and a vehicle linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A 21-year-old Ukrainian was arrested, suspected of the acts.
While the attacks on Starmer quickly became public, Farage chose not to disclose the attacks he himself was subjected to, because he feared that it would force him to tighten security measures even further.
Farage is aware that he is controversial, and says that although he knows many love him, he is equally aware that many also feel strong antipathy towards him.
“Sometimes things happen when the cameras are present, but there are many instances that do not make the news, such as when people throw beer at me or when my home was attacked. I also once had to write off a car because it was attacked by demonstrators while I was sitting in it.
I would rather not have discussed any of this, but I must because someone has obtained material about my private finances, which is scandalous and which I believe has been obtained unlawfully.”
Farage first became concerned for his own safety in 2013, when he was surrounded by a mob outside the Scottish Parliament. He says that “the situation has worsened since the fanatical left decided that violence is acceptable”.
He also experiences threats online, where people call for violence to be used against him. The British state shows little willingness to contribute, Farage claims.
Farage unsuccessfully attempted to obtain security support from the Home Office in 2019, so Harborne, a committed Brexit supporter, stepped in and said that he himself would cover Farage’s security expenses.
Farage’s party Reform UK is performing very well in the opinion polls and, according to recent surveys, is the most popular party in the United Kingdom. The party is expected to achieve significant gains in the local elections on 7 May.
Reform appears set to increase its number of representatives by more than 2,200, while Labour appears set to lose around 1,900 representatives in what looks to become an earthquake in British politics.
“It is going phenomenally well for us, and over the last four days I have felt that the big M – momentum – is on our side. You cannot quite put your finger on it, you simply feel it.”