Philip Hulme, co-founder of a leading computing company, emerges as a significant donor for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, contributing over £100,000.
- Hulme’s contributions were made on seven occasions, each amounting to £25,000, with the latest donation just before the general election in July.
- Hulme’s donations reflect a rare political engagement from UK tech executives, contrasting with the usual quiet political stances in the sector.
- Reform UK, largely seen as a right-wing party, recently attracted attention with reports of potential funding from notable figures, despite denials of a large donation from Elon Musk.
- The financial support of influential entrepreneurs like Hulme could shape the party’s strategies and impact its role in future political landscapes.
Philip Hulme, a prominent figure in the tech industry as the co-founder of a major computing company, has made headlines by becoming one of the top donors to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. Hulme, who helped establish the FTSE 250 constituent in 1981, has reportedly donated over £100,000 to the party through a series of substantial donations.
The data from the Electoral Commission reveals that the 76-year-old has made seven donations, each worth £25,000, to Reform UK. His most recent financial support came just three days before the general election in July. Hulme’s contributions highlight his involvement in the political sphere, a move that stands out in the UK’s tech circles, where executives usually maintain a low profile regarding political affiliations.
Hertfordshire-based, the company that Hulme co-founded, specialises in providing tech infrastructure and IT strategy services. Although Hulme stepped down as a director in 2012, the company’s stature remains significant with a valuation near $3 billion, despite recent reports of an 11.6% decline in revenue, totalling £3.1 billion for the first half of the year.
Reform UK’s list of financial backers includes not only tech execs but also firms such as Hepburn Biocare, which contributed £70,000. Recent rumours suggested a staggering $100 million investment from Tesla’s Elon Musk, potentially aligning with Farage’s political ambitions. Yet, both Musk and Farage have refuted claims of such a financial arrangement, though Musk’s social media activity hinted at potential future engagements.
This level of financial involvement from high-profile business figures illustrates a growing interest in the influence of political parties among tech leaders. Meanwhile, Labour has also attracted significant business-minded supporters, including the appointment of a former tech boss as investment minister and substantial donations from green energy tycoon Dale Vince.
The substantial backing from tech industry figures highlights a shifting dynamic in political funding and influence in the UK.
