Ofcom Investigates Sky News Over Nigel Farage Harassment Claims

The media regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Sky News following harassment allegations made by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Mr Farage stated on Facebook that he was "appalled" by the treatment of his family members by the news organisation.

The dispute centres on an incident in July when a Sky News reporter allegedly visited a property where Mr Farage's daughter resides. Mr Farage released CCTV footage that he claimed showed two approaches were made to the property on July 6. Upon his return, Mr Farage confronted a Sky News reporter, stating, "You tell your bosses, you harass my family any more, there will be serious consequences, that's what your organisation has done this morning, now go away."

Sky News Response

Sky News has denied approaching the house twice and stated that its reporters did not interact with Mr Farage's daughter. In a statement on X, the broadcaster said it was not at the property at 7.41am. Regarding footage from 10.19am, Sky News confirmed it was outside a property where Mr Farage was registered to vote in the last election.

The news outlet further stated, "Sky News did not interact with Mr Farage’s daughter. On a single occasion, we approached the property without a camera operator, identified ourselves as Sky News and the adult occupant chose not to engage. We were seeking to contact Mr Farage to ask questions about the gift he accepted from Mr Cottrell." Sky News described its actions as "well-established and routine journalistic practice when reporting on matters of legitimate public interest" and asserted that the footage did not show them pursuing Mr Farage's daughter.

Other Investigations

Separately, Mr Farage is also under investigation by the Commons standards watchdog concerning an undeclared £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne. He faces potential further scrutiny over support from his ally George Cottrell. Mr Farage has insisted he has done nothing wrong, accusing Westminster opponents of using sleaze investigations as a political tool and the media of "haranguing" his family.

The parliamentary investigation into the gift from Mr Harborne was paused during Mr Farage's by-election campaign for Clacton. The probe has since resumed after he retained his seat.