JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford contributed 200,000 pounds to Reform UK after providing an identical sum to the Conservative Party, marking the construction equipment manufacturer's first financial backing of Nigel Farage's populist movement. The billionaire industrialist previously donated over 9 million pounds to the Conservatives and supported Boris Johnson's political endeavors, including hosting the former prime minister's wedding reception.
Farage cited the dual donations as evidence that entrepreneurs increasingly view Reform UK as a credible alternative while announcing the formation of a small business advisory panel led by Checkatrade founder Kevin Byrne. The party secured 2.1 million pounds during the year's first half compared with 6.3 million raised by the Conservatives, though October brought a separate 1 million pound pledge from property developer Nick Candy.
Bamford's company sponsored Reform UK's September conference and supplied machinery for campaign appearances, including a pothole-filling vehicle that Farage operated during the March local election events.
Farage cited the dual donations as evidence that entrepreneurs increasingly view Reform UK as a credible alternative while announcing the formation of a small business advisory panel led by Checkatrade founder Kevin Byrne. The party secured 2.1 million pounds during the year's first half compared with 6.3 million raised by the Conservatives, though October brought a separate 1 million pound pledge from property developer Nick Candy.
Bamford's company sponsored Reform UK's September conference and supplied machinery for campaign appearances, including a pothole-filling vehicle that Farage operated during the March local election events.
