Billionaire Donor Haidar Defects to Reform UK, Pledges £1 Million

Bassim Haidar, a billionaire tech entrepreneur and former major Conservative Party donor, has defected to Reform UK and pledged £1 million to support Nigel Farage's party, citing dissatisfaction with the Conservatives' direction and tax policies. Haidar previously donated over £700,000 to the Tories but criticized their pledge to abolish non-dom tax status, arguing it mirrored Labour's stance and would drive wealth out of the UK. He believes that only Reform UK and Farage can reset the status quo, support business interests, and address issues like immigration and investment in ways other parties will not. Haidar's move is seen as a significant financial and symbolic boost to Reform UK, with the potential to attract further wealthy donors. He also plans to leave the UK due to changes in tax policy, which he says threaten both his family's future and the country's economic prospects. Conservative leaders downplayed the impact of Haidar's defection, but the loss of such a high-profile donor underscores growing challenges for the party.