Ben Habib has become one of the most intriguing figures on Britain’s political and financial stage.

Once known primarily for his sharp business acumen in real estate, Habib is now just as recognisable for his alliance with high-profile names like Nigel Farage and Richard Tice in the Reform UK movement. His ability to straddle the worlds of commerce and politics has made him a lightning rod for debate, admired by supporters and scrutinised by critics. But behind the speeches, headlines, and boardroom deals lies a bigger question: how has this blend of business grit and political influence shaped his fortune in 2025?

Ben Habib and Richard Tice standing together on the campaign trail, posing beside a Reform UK poster.

Ben Habib and Richard Tice pose with a Reform UK campaign poster while meeting supporters.

The Life Story Of Ben Habib

Early Life & Education

Benyamin Naeem Habib was born on 7 June 1965 in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, to a mixed background: his father is of Pakistani Punjabi heritage, and his mother is English-born from Isleworth. In 1979, Habib emigrated with his family to the United Kingdom, where his upbringing took on a distinctly British educational journey.

He attended Rugby School, a well-known independent boarding school in Warwickshire, and later went on to study at Robinson College, Cambridge, where he pursued natural sciences beginning in 1984. His academic training in science did not directly lead into a lab or research career. Instead, Habib pivoted into the financial sector soon after graduation.

Business Career

After completing his studies, Habib entered the world of corporate finance. In 1987, he joined the corporate finance department of Shearson Lehman Brothers (often referred to as Lehman Brothers). Two years later, in 1989, he took on the role of Finance Director at PWS Holdings plc, an insurance broker and reinsurance firm listed on the FTSE.

By 1994, he transitioned toward property development, joining JKL Property as Managing Director. After accumulating experience in property, he launched his own venture, First Property Group plc, around the year 2000. Under his leadership as CEO, the firm positioned itself as a commercial property fund manager with holdings in the UK and Central Europe.

Through his business operations, Habib has been active in real estate investment, fund management, and portfolio growth strategies. His commercial enterprises have supplied the financial foundation upon which he later built political capital.

Political Career

Politically, Habib’s trajectory began with alignment to the Conservative Party, where he was a voter and donor. However, his public political prominence rose in the era of Brexit. He was a vocal advocate for the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, arguing that the UK’s trade opportunities and sovereignty would benefit from an exit according to The Standard.

In the 2019 European Parliamentary elections, Habib stood as a candidate for the Brexit Party (later Reform UK), and was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for London. During his term, he served on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and was part of the delegation for relations with South Asian countries. He was among the highest-earning MEPs, having declared approximately €960,000 from his business interests in one year.

After the UK formally exited the EU on 31 January 2020, his role as MEP concluded with the abolition of the London constituency seat.

In March 2023, Habib was appointed Co-Deputy Leader of Reform UK, alongside David Bull, under leaders Richard Tice and Nigel Farage. He also assumed the party’s spokesman role on Brexit and Union issues.

In early 2024, he stood as Reform’s candidate for the Wellingborough by-election, achieving a notable 13% of the vote — the party’s best by-election showing to date.

Later in 2024 and into 2025, Habib broke with Reform UK, citing disagreements over governance and internal control. In April 2025, he became the Leader of Advance UK, a political venture he helped found, positioning it as a more principled alternative to Reform.

Throughout his political career, Habib has had relationships with Nigel Farage and Richard Tice: Farage was a prominent figure within Reform UK, while Tice served in leadership roles and ultimately succeeded Habib’s deputy role.

Personal Life, Family & Hobbies

Habib has kept much of his personal and family life relatively private. Public records show that he is married to Katie Gancia, though details about their relationship, children, or daily life remain limited. Some media sources attempt to address rumors or speculation about his partner, but reliable details are scarce.

In interviews and profiles, he is said to maintain interests in sports, particularly golf and tennis, which align with many public figures using sports as a pastime and networking tool. He also appears in media frequently as a political and economic commentator, contributing to discourse on Brexit, national sovereignty, and financial regulation.

Beyond the public-facing parts of his persona, Habib is often described as disciplined, strategic, and driven — traits likely shaped by his early migration, education, and career in finance and property. His private life remains discreet by design, allowing his professional and political identity to dominate public perception.

Ben Habib giving a passionate speech on stage, gesturing emphatically to the audience.

Ben Habib delivers a fiery speech at an Advance UK rally in September 2025, energizing supporters with his message.

Ben Habib Net Worth Breakdown

As of September 2025, Ben Habib’s net worth is estimated at around £5 million by BBN Times, built primarily through a long career in finance and commercial property development. His earnings come from salaries, bonuses, and business investments, with the bulk tied to his leadership of First Property Group plc.

How He Made His Money

Early Career in Finance (1987–1994)
Habib began his career in corporate finance at Shearson Lehman Brothers before moving to PWS Holdings plc, a FTSE 350 insurance brokerage, where he served as Finance Director. These early roles gave him valuable financial experience and provided the foundation for his later ventures.

Property Business (1994–present)
In 1994, Habib joined JKL Property as Managing Director, before founding First Property Group plc in 2000. The company, listed on the AIM market, specialises in commercial property investment and fund management across the UK, Poland, and Romania.

As CEO, Habib’s remuneration has varied depending on company performance. Notable figures from company reports include:

  • 2019: €960,000 (approx. £850,000 at the time).

  • 2022: £1.76 million (including a large performance-related bonus).

  • 2023: £389,000.

  • 2024: £409,000.

Cumulatively, his compensation from 2018 to 2024 exceeded £7 million, with additional value tied to his shareholding in the company, which remains his primary source of wealth.

Political Roles (2019–2025)
Habib’s political earnings have been modest compared to his business income. His only paid role was as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from July 2019 until January 2020, for which he earned approximately £83,000 in salary and allowances. His later positions as Co-Deputy Leader of Reform UK and Leader of Advance UK have not been salaried.

What He Has Done With His Money

Habib has reinvested much of his wealth into business ventures rather than personal luxury. He holds directorships in multiple property-related companies under the First Property Group umbrella, with interests in both the UK and Poland.

While details of his personal lifestyle are limited, his financial focus has consistently been on expanding his property and investment portfolio. Unlike many public figures, there is little evidence of extravagant spending, with Habib instead concentrating on strengthening his business holdings and political activities.

Official Advance UK poster featuring Ben Habib, the party leader, in a professional portrait pose.

Ben Habib appears on the official Advance UK poster, representing the party’s vision and leadership in September 2025.

Ben Habib Latest News (September 2025)

Advance UK Hits Membership Milestone

Ben Habib’s new political venture, Advance UK, has surged past its initial membership goal of 30,000 members in just over two months. Habib had set this figure as the threshold before formally applying to register as a political party, and the milestone has been touted as proof of its growing momentum. He has also pledged £100,000 of his own funds to help finance the movement’s launch.

Launch Event Sparks Controversy

The Independent reports that Advance UK’s official launch event in Newcastle faced turbulence when a local hotel canceled its booking, citing “health and safety grounds” after online protests. Habib and his allies, however, insisted the launch would go ahead in the city regardless, framing the incident as an early test of the party’s resilience against establishment resistance.

Rallying With Populist Figures

On 15 September 2025, Habib spoke at the “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London, attended by crowds estimated at 110,000–150,000. Sharing the stage with figures such as Tommy Robinson and Éric Zemmour, Habib addressed themes of sovereignty and national identity. The Guardian noted how these alliances suggest a bid to consolidate influence across the far-right political spectrum.

Challenge to Nigel Farage and Reform UK

Advance UK’s rise has inevitably drawn comparisons with Reform UK. Analysts at the Financial Times highlighted how endorsements from Elon Musk and public backing by populist figures may pressure Nigel Farage and Richard Tice to recalibrate their messaging or risk losing ground.

First Defection From Reform UK

In August, Durham councillor Paul Bean became the first elected official to defect from Reform UK to Advance UK — a symbolic but important shift that signaled cracks in Reform’s grassroots support.

People Also Ask

What is Ben Habib best known for?

Ben Habib is best known as the founder and CEO of First Property Group plc, a commercial property investment firm listed on the AIM market. He is also recognised for his political career, having served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for London with the Brexit Party between 2019 and 2020, and later as Co-Deputy Leader of Reform UK. In 2025, he founded Advance UK, a populist political movement that has quickly gained traction.

How did Ben Habib make his money?

Habib built most of his wealth through real estate and property investment. His leadership of First Property Group, which manages assets across the UK, Poland, and Romania, has been the cornerstone of his financial success. He has also earned income from earlier finance roles in London during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as from his MEP salary during his brief time in the European Parliament.

Is Ben Habib still active in politics?

Yes. As of September 2025, Ben Habib is Leader of Advance UK, a new political movement he launched in summer 2025. The party has already attracted tens of thousands of members and positioned itself as a rival to Reform UK. Habib continues to make regular media appearances and speaks at rallies across the country.

Who are Ben Habib’s political allies?

Over the years, Habib has worked alongside figures such as Nigel Farage and Richard Tice during his time in the Brexit Party and Reform UK. More recently, he has appeared at rallies with Tommy Robinson and Éric Zemmour, while also drawing international attention after receiving support from Elon Musk for his Advance UK initiative.

Does Ben Habib have a family?

Yes. Habib is married and has two daughters. While he keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight, he has occasionally spoken about balancing his family responsibilities with his demanding career in both business and politics.

Ben Habib sitting next to Nigel Farage at a political event, engaged in conversation.

Ben Habib and Nigel Farage share a moment together during a political gathering, highlighting their past collaboration in UK politics.

Conclusion

Ben Habib’s journey reflects the arc of a man who has successfully navigated both the boardroom and the political stage. From his early days in finance to building a multimillion-pound property investment group, Habib has demonstrated an ability to turn market insight into tangible wealth. While politics has added visibility to his name, his fortune has remained firmly rooted in the commercial property world, a sector where he has shown consistent resilience even through periods of economic turbulence.

In 2025, Habib’s role as founder of Advance UK has propelled him back into the headlines, ensuring that his influence now spans not just business but also national debate. Whether he is remembered as a sharp-minded property investor, a disruptive political voice, or both, his story illustrates how wealth and power intersect in modern Britain.

For readers following the evolution of business leaders turned political figures, Habib’s career is still very much in motion — and the financial footprint he leaves behind will continue to draw attention in the months and years ahead.

generic banners explore the internet 1500x300
Follow Finance Monthly
Just for you
Adam Arnold

Share this article