Farage has argued that he did not need to declare the gift from Harborne because he received it before he was elected as an MP and it was not political.
His team has made a similar argument for why the “in kind” – non-cash – benefits allegedly from Cottrell were not registered.
On Sunday, Farage said in response to the latest story: “I have done no wrongdoing, followed the rules and I am now considering legal action against the Sunday Times.
“It’s now clear the establishment will stop at nothing to hurt Reform – we want to smash their cosy consensus.”
Lawyers for Cottrell, providing a statement on his behalf, said he “categorially disputes allegations and assertions made by The Sunday Times”.
Parliament’s rulebook says newly-elected MPs have to declare gifts or benefits, including accommodation, received in the 12 months before their election that relate to their “parliamentary or political activities”.
There is an exemption for gift and benefits that are “purely personal”.
The guidelines say MPs should consider “both the possible motive of the giver and the use to which the gift is to be put” when deciding whether to make a declaration.
“If there is any doubt, the benefit should be registered,” the rulebook adds.
When he became an MP, Farage registered a £9,253 trip to Belgium in April 2024 donated by Cottrell, and later added a £15,276 donation from Cottrell for a US domestic flight he provided in December 2024.
No other support from Cottrell is listed in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
