Nigel Farage reportedly agreed a deal to return as Reform UK leader months before last year's general election, well before his announcement was made public in June. According to the Sunday Times, arrangements for his comeback were negotiated as early as March and April 2024, ahead of the July national vote, raising fresh questions about the timing and transparency of his political plans during that period.

The reported deal is said to have included a commitment for the party to pay off more than £1 million in outstanding loans owed to Richard Tice's company. Reform has disputed the characterisation, insisting Farage was merely keeping his options open and that no formal commitment to resume the leadership existed until his announcement in early June. The revelations could intensify scrutiny of Farage's acceptance of a £5 million gift from a billionaire Reform donor in early 2024, which he has maintained was a personal gift that did not require declaration to Parliament since he was then a media commentator rather than a candidate or party leader. Farage is currently contesting a by-election in Clacton.