Christopher Harborne

Christopher Harborne

From Profile by BBC Radio 4

May 16, 2026 · 14 min

About this episode

The episode explores the life and political influence of British cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne.

British cryptocurrency investor and billionaire Christopher Harborne made headlines when it was revealed he gave £5million to Reform Party leader Nigel Farage before he was an MP. Last year Harborne also gave a single donation of £9m to Reform UK - the biggest ever donation to a UK political party by a living person. He has also previously donated to the Brexit Party and the Conservatives. Very little is known about the Cambridge-educated businessman, who is also known as Chakrit Sakunkrit. So how did he make his fortune? And why is he so interested in British politics when he has lived abroad for the last few decades? Mark Coles talks to journalists Tom Burgis and Ceri Thomas, and family friend Mark Vellacott, to paint a picture of one of the most powerful men funding British politics. Presenter: Mark Coles Producers: Keiligh Baker, Beth Ashmead Latham, Kirsteen Knight Editor: Matt Willis Programme Coordinators: Sabine Schereck, Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill

People in this episode

Host: Mark Coles

Guests: Tom Burgis, Ceri Thomas, Mark Vellacott

Topics covered

  • cryptocurrency
  • politics
  • donations
  • business
  • investors

Keywords

  • Christopher Harborne
  • cryptocurrency
  • political donations
  • Nigel Farage
  • Reform UK

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reform Party, Reform UK, Brexit Party, Conservatives, BBC Radio 4

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