Nigel Farage is under scrutiny following his assertion that his financial dealings are the focus of a second standards investigation, coinciding with his reappointment as the Member of Parliament for Clacton.

In July, the leader of Reform UK announced his resignation, claiming that the standards system had devolved into a “political tool” due to the initiation of “yet another standards investigation” concerning his finances.

Farage expressed his desire for the residents of Clacton to judge his actions rather than “the establishment.” This statement came after the Sunday Times reported that his associate, George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster, had financed social media efforts, accommodation, and security arrangements in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Nonetheless, it has been reported that the parliamentary standards commissioner had not initiated a new investigation or expanded the current one at that time.

As of two weeks ago, it appears that the commissioner had not yet determined whether to broaden the inquiry, which had been reopened upon Farage’s return as MP for Clacton with an increased majority.

The initial investigation by the commissioner began in May, centered on a £5 million donation from Thailand-based donor Christopher Harborne, which Farage failed to declare in the MPs’ register of interests. This donation was first uncovered by the Guardian. Initially, Farage claimed the funds were intended for his security, later referring to them as a reward for his advocacy for Brexit.

Following this, at least two complaints regarding Farage’s financing from Cottrell were lodged in July. Farage subsequently called for a byelection on July 7, leading to a pause in the initial investigation.

Sources within Westminster indicated that the standards commissioner is currently reviewing information. There is no official word on whether the inquiry has been expanded to encompass the Cottrell donations, and the current list of investigations maintained by the commissioner still only includes the one initiated in May.

According to these sources, the commissioner seeks additional evidence that Farage violated rules regarding donations from Cottrell in the year leading up to the 2024 election, including payments made for social media work.

Farage has argued that the videos produced were personal and likened his pre-election public engagements to the activities of an influencer. However, many of these videos had a political focus, addressing immigration issues.

Critics contend that these activities should be disclosed under regulations requiring that political donations be registered within the 12 months preceding an election.

The standards commissioner has refrained from commenting on the status of the investigation into Farage or whether there has been a decision regarding the expansion of the inquiry.

If no second investigation or expanded scope emerges, the initial inquiry into Farage could potentially conclude sooner than anticipated. The Times reported in July that the Reform leader was expected to be interviewed within weeks, although this process was stalled by the byelection.

In light of the investigation, Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, remarked, “The issues surrounding Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne and the donations from George Cottrell are not disappearing.”

Burghart further stated, “Farage has attempted to evade these serious questions with his farcical byelection in Clacton, but he can no longer escape scrutiny. He must provide transparency… The public deserves clarity, and Farage cannot continue to hide.”

Should the standards commissioner identify a breach of regulations, and if the parliamentary standards committee recommends a suspension of over 10 days, Farage may face the possibility of a second byelection.

Upon being sworn in again on Tuesday, Farage informed GB News of his intention to reduce his time in parliament, delegating more responsibilities in Westminster to “Richard Tice and the gang” as he embarks on a nationwide tour.

Farage is set to outline his priorities for the upcoming year during his speech at the Reform party conference later this week, where he is expected to seek to shift attention away from his financial matters.