Laure Ferrari, partner of Nigel Farage, has chosen not to disclose the details of how she financed the purchase of a home in Clacton, where Farage serves as the Reform leader and Member of Parliament. When asked about the matter during an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, she remarked, “There’s more than one way to pay for a house.”
This inquiry follows a report by the Guardian indicating that Ferrari acquired the property in her own name, contrary to Farage’s earlier assertion that he was the buyer. Initially, Farage suggested that the arrangement was made for “security” reasons. Later, he stated that Ferrari hails from “a very wealthy French family and can afford it,” although a subsequent investigation by the BBC raised questions regarding her family’s financial status.
In response to Le Monde’s questions, Ferrari did not directly answer whether the purchase was funded by a family inheritance. Instead, she stated, “Yes and no, that would be a very large inheritance… There’s more than one way to pay for a house.” She further emphasized, “I can’t say how much my grandmother gave, that’s my business. The main thing is that I paid all the taxes, there was no tax evasion, and the house is in my name.”
Following this interview, the Labour Party urged Farage to clarify the financial details surrounding the property purchase. They noted, “Last week we discovered that Nigel Farage failed to declare a £5 million donation from a crypto-billionaire and this week we discover that Farage’s partner might not have paid for all of his house in Clacton after all.” They called for Farage to stop avoiding scrutiny and to provide clear answers regarding the matter, asserting that he has not been transparent with the public.
The Guardian first reported last year that the Clacton house, which Farage originally claimed to have purchased, is actually fully owned by Ferrari. Farage’s explanation for the ownership arrangement centered around security concerns. The arrangement also reportedly allowed him to avoid approximately £44,000 in higher stamp duty, which he would have incurred due to existing property ownership.
Farage has consistently denied providing financial assistance to Ferrari for the house, asserting that she is capable of affording it on her own. He stated in September, “I haven’t lent money to anybody. I didn’t give her money. She comes from a very successful French family and she can afford it herself.” He described the situation as “convenient” and noted that she enjoys living there.
The BBC’s investigation revealed that Ferrari’s father’s haulage business in Strasbourg was dissolved in 2020. Her parents are currently residing in a flat valued at around £300,000, co-owned with their two daughters. The family also possesses the previous site of the haulage company, which is being rented out for approximately €8,000-€9,000 (around £7,000-£7,800) per month.
Ferrari, aged 46 and originally from Épinal in eastern France, also discussed her influence on key moments in Farage’s political journey during the interview. She mentioned encouraging him to leave Ukip, participate in ITV’s “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!”, and run for Parliament in 2024 instead of traveling to the U.S. to support Donald Trump. However, she clarified that she would not involve herself in UK governance should Farage become Prime Minister, criticizing Carrie Johnson for her perceived excessive involvement during her husband’s tenure.
Ferrari stated, “If people elect Nigel Farage, they are not electing Laure Ferrari.” When asked about Farage’s chances of becoming Prime Minister, she expressed caution, saying, “I don’t want to tempt fate, but a lot can happen between now and the elections.” She concluded by sharing her enthusiasm for diplomatic events, humorously mentioning her fondness for ambassadorial dinners and Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
