Gill pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery, acknowledging that he received payments from Oleg Voloshyn, a Ukrainian politician with pro-Kremlin affiliations. Prosecutors detailed how Gill used “scripted material” provided by Voloshyn, presenting it as his own commentary in interviews and media appearances.
Court documents also indicate that Gill attempted to involve other Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in producing pro-Russia content. At his home, authorities discovered significant sums of cash in euros and dollars.
The presiding judge, Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema‑Grubb, described Gill’s offending as “sophisticated” and said it “fundamentally compromised the integrity of a supranational legislative body.” She added that Gill “abused a position of significant authority and trust.”
Responses from Political Figures and Reform UK
The case has prompted responses from across the political spectrum:
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Nigel Farage, who had previously worked with Gill under UKIP and Brexit Party banners, said Gill’s behaviour was shocking, calling him a “bad apple” and stating he was “deeply shocked” by the revelations.
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Keir Starmer, Labour leader, urged an investigation into possible wider links between Reform UK and Russia, questioning whether Gill acted alone or as part of a larger network.
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Security Minister Dan Jarvis described Gill’s actions as “a betrayal of our country” and a threat to national security, emphasizing that the misuse of public office for foreign influence is a serious concern.
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Reform UK, in a public statement, condemned Gill’s conduct as “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable,” noting that the party welcomed the court’s decision.
- Anna Turley MP, Chair of the Labour Party, commenting on Nigel Farage’s inaction since Nathan Gill’s sentencing for taking pro-Russian bribes, said: “Nigel Farage has been uncharacteristically quiet since his former right-hand man was sent down for over ten years for taking pro-Russian bribes. His silence on this issue speaks volumes. It’s time he showed some leadership and demonstrated to the British people that he’s not prepared to be seen as Putin’s puppet any longer.
- “Nigel Farage must urgently commit to an independent investigation into pro-Russian influence in Reform UK. If he continues to fail to do so, the public will rightly question what he is trying to hide.
- “It’s hard to think of a more unpatriotic act than betraying Britain in favour of Putin’s barbaric authoritarian regime, as his former leader in Wales has. Nigel Farage must break his silence on this issue and prove to the public that he will leave no stone unturned in banishing any pro-Russian influence from his party.”
Farage Faces Scrutiny Over Party Links
The scandal has also placed Nigel Farage under renewed scrutiny. While Farage has repeatedly described Nathan Gill as a “bad apple” and stressed that the issue was isolated, questions remain over whether Reform UK may have broader vulnerabilities to foreign influence.
When challenged by political opponents, including Labour leader Keir Starmer, to launch an internal inquiry, Farage emphasised that he does not have investigatory powers, stating he could only ask party members directly about any wrongdoing. According to Farage, no member admitted to accepting improper payments. He reiterated that “this party is not a police force” and that he could not compel disclosures from former members.
Farage has also shifted some criticism onto other parties rather than address demands for a formal review, prompting calls from Labour and security officials for greater transparency. Analysts note that, while Farage was not implicated in the bribery case, his past comments expressing admiration for Russian political strategy have intensified scrutiny of his leadership and the culture within Reform UK.
Nature of the Influence
Investigators reported that Gill was instructed to push pro-Kremlin messaging in multiple public forums, including interviews with Ukrainian media outlets. WhatsApp messages recovered from his phone reportedly contained detailed instructions on which themes to promote and which colleagues to involve.
Legal experts say the case underscores the potential for foreign actors to exploit political figures, highlighting vulnerabilities in democratic institutions.
Broader Political Implications
Gill’s conviction has reignited debate over foreign influence and accountability in UK politics. Analysts note that while Farage has distanced himself from Gill, questions remain over Reform UK’s internal oversight and potential exposure to similar risks.
The scandal also comes at a politically sensitive time, with Reform UK seeking to consolidate its presence in Wales ahead of the upcoming Senedd elections. Observers suggest the case could influence voter perceptions and increase calls for greater transparency across all parties.
pic . Nigel Farage on X (formerly Twitter)
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