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Britain's richest plumber and Reform donor Charlie Mullins threatened with being stripped of OBE after calling for migrants to be 'sent back to the jungle'

Britain's richest plumber and Reform donor Charlie Mullins threatened with being stripped of OBE after calling for migrants to be 'sent back to the jungle'

Charlie Mullins was threatened with being stripped of his OBE for a second time after calling for Channel migrants to be 'sent back to the jungle'.

The Honours Forfeiture Committee wrote to the multi-millionaire plumber after a member of the public claimed the tweet was racist, though he maintains that 'the jungle' was a reference to migrant camps in northern France.

Mr Mullins was first accused by the committee of bringing the honours system into disrepute in September 2024 over a series of posts on X.

The Pimlico Plumbers founder, who fled the UK for Marbella to escape Labour's tax rises, was later told no action would be taken after submissions from his lawyers - including a pledge to undertake 'gender sensitivity and diversity training'. 

This June, the prominent Reform supporter received another letter from the committee informing him that he was being investigated over a tweet about the small boats crisis. 

His tweet read: 'Paying tax does not bother me I've paid over £ 100 m in personal tax in my lifetime,

'What bothers me what they spend our tax on anybody but English,

'They will. never get another penny off of me to give all the illegals and the ponces,

'Send them back to the jungle.'

Charlie Mullins now lives in a luxury villa in Marbella after fleeing Labour's tax raids 

The Honours Forfeiture Committee wrote to Mr Mullins after a member of the public claimed the tweet was racist. He maintains that 'the jungle' was a reference to migrant camps in France

The member of the public who reported Mr Mullins claimed the phrase 'send them back to the jungle' was racist. 

But he pointed out that migrant shanty towns around Calais and Dunkirk have often been referred to as 'jungles', most notably the notorious 'Calais Jungle', which existed from 2015 to 2016. 

Mr Mullins told the Mail: 'They were trying to claim I was being racist by using the word "jungle", but that's what everyone refers to these camps as - including all the newspapers.

'The person who reported it was obviously just looking for something to take the OBE away.

'It's stupidity. When I said "Send them back to the jungle" I meant the migrant camps. I'm told they're not very nice to live in and that's exactly what I meant. Then by ponces, I meant the illegals scrounging off taxpayers.'

Lawyers for Mr Mullins responded to the committee's letter with a 26-page document explaining the context of the tweet and setting out the case for why he should retain his OBE, which he was awarded in 2015 for services to plumbing. 

While the committee has now said it will be dropping the case, Mr Mullins claims he is being victimised because of his political beliefs.

'They've now tried twice to take my OBE away,' he said.

'I get on very well with the King. I've seen him a few times and we always have a good chat about plumbing.

'I don't think it's come from him personally. It's the Labour government. It's politically motivated.

'It's victimisation and it's quite aggressive. Every time this happens it costs me money in legal fees, and they're not cheap.'

The Forfeiture Committee is convened on an ad hoc basis by the Prime Minister and chaired by senior civil servant Dame Sarah Healey.

In its first letter to Mr Mullins in September 2024, it raised concerns about a post on X in which he had said 'someone should kill' London Mayor Sadiq Khan during a discussion about London's Ulez scheme.

It also highlighted a comment about Carol Vorderman on GB News, remarks about not wanting to employ transgender people and accusations he made a racist joke at the British curry awards. 

In response, Mr Mullins insisted the threshold for forfeiture had not been met and argued that his comments were protected by the right to freedom of expression.

His lawyers said the businessman had been struggling with mental health issues at the time of the remarks and had apologised.

In interviews, he accused then-prime minister Sir Keir Starmer of orchestrating a politically motivated attack.

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Migrant camps around Calais and Dunkirk have often been referred to as 'jungles', most notably the notorious 'Calais Jungle' (pictured), which existed from 2015 to 2016

Mr Mullins received his OBE in the 2015 New Year Honours while David Cameron was prime minister.

At the time, he was a supporter of the Conservatives and donated £22,735 to the party that year.

But in 2024, he said he was leaving the UK to avoid what he described as Rachel Reeves' 'tax raids', opting instead to invest his money in property in Spain and Dubai.

Mr Mullins vowed not to return to the UK unless Nigel Farage became Prime Minister. However, he now says he may remain in Spain even under a Reform government because of his concerns about the direction and condition of Britain.

He also vowed that his new plumbing and home-services company, WeFix, would not serve Labour MPs.

'We won't work for any Labour MPs. We don't go near Leftists or woke people,' he added.

A Government spokesman said previously: 'Claims that the Forfeiture Committee is politically motivated are completely unfounded and inaccurate.

'The Forfeiture Committee is entirely apolitical and no ministers or political appointees are involved in any of its decision making.'

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Perez Hilton's family and team have delivered an update on his recovery as he remains in treatment three months after he was seen self-harming with a knife on a horrific live stream.

On Tuesday, PerezHilton.com posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update.

The post also included a sweet photo of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hilton's representative for comment but has not yet received a response. 

'It’s been three months since our family began navigating this difficult time. While it hasn’t been easy, we’re grateful to have some positive news to share about Perez’s recovery,' the update began.

Hilton's family and team revealed that he had 'transitioned into the next phase of his treatment' in October. 

On Tuesday, Perez Hilton's website posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update; above, in August 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hilton is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' Despite the change of scenery, he 'continues to receive mental health care and support' and has been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'; Above, in 2022 in Santa Monica, California

The celebrity blogger is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' 

Despite the change of scenery, Hilton 'continues to receive mental health care and support.'

Those close to Hilton noted that he had been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'

Among those was a gathering to celebrate his mother's 73rd birthday, which also reunited him with his children.

'These moments together have meant so much to everyone,' his loved ones wrote.

They added that Hilton's post-crisis ordeal has 'been a learning process for our family.' 

'Like many people who have never been through something like this, we didn’t fully understand just how much time, care, and support recovery from a serious mental health crisis can require,' they admitted. 

After speaking with people who had suffered similar mental-health crises, Hilton's family came 'to understand that getting through the initial crisis is only the beginning.'

The post also included a sweet photo (above) of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged; above, in October 2025 in Las Vegas

'There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and we’re learning the importance of taking things one step at a time,' they said.

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged.

However, they were 'hopeful that day is getting closer.' 

'Most importantly, we want him to have the time and support he needs to continue making progress,' those close to Hilton continued.

They added that his children remained 'well' and were 'staying busy with school, their activities, and everyday life.'

'They also had a wonderful Halloween!' the update added. 'After everything they’ve been through, seeing them smiling, having fun, and simply enjoying being kids has been especially meaningful.'

Hilton's family and team concluded with thanks to his fans who had 'continued to check in and send kind messages.'

'We’re incredibly grateful for your love, compassion, and support. It means so much to our family,' they wrote.

Hilton's family revealed in an update from late September that he had begun to have supervised visits with his children and mother; above, in January 2025 in Las Vegas 

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said; Above, with (L–R) Mario, Mia and Mayte in 2020 in Burbank

The newest update comes after Hilton's website shared another note in late September that revealed he had been having short 'supervised' visits with his children and his mother, who has been caring for them while he remains at a residential treatment center.

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said.

'Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez,' it continued. 'There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.'

That update followed a longtime friend of Hilton's setting up a fundraiser to help support his mother as she cares for his three children.

According to the statement, Hilton's team has had only 'limited' communication with him recently. 

However, they said the 'priority isn’t constant communication with family, but rather giving him the time and space to focus on his care and continue making progress.'

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' they continued.

Hilton's team said they still don't know when he will be able to move on from the residential facility to go home and transfer to an outpatient program. 

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' his team said; Above, Hilton is pictured during an earlier, unrelated hospitalization

'Nobody wants to rush anything. For now, we’re all taking things one day at a time,' they said. 

'We’re grateful for the progress Perez has made so far, and especially grateful that he and his children have been able to spend some time together again,' his team added. 

The statement also updated Hilton's fans on an official fundraiser that his longtime friend, Tony-winning producer Tom D'Angora, had set up to assist his family.

'We want to thank Perez’s longtime friend Tom D’Angora again for setting up the GoFundMe to help Perez’s mom continue to care for his three children during this time,' the statement read. 'We also want to thank everyone who has donated, sent messages, and continued to send well wishes.'

They added that Hilton's mother, Teresita Lavandeira, 'has been incredibly touched and honestly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. It’s meant so much to her and to the kids.'

Now, with the support of Hilton's family, D'Angora is doing his part to raise funds for them during this difficult time. 

'I’ve known Perez Hilton (Mario) for 14 years and we have become very close friends, and during that time, he and his family have come to mean a great deal to me,' D'Angora said after launching the GoFundMe. 'With the support of his friends, I’m organizing this fundraiser to help his mother and his three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, during his treatment and recovery. 

'Perez is currently receiving full-time residential treatment while he focuses on his mental health and recovery. This process will take time. In the meantime, his mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need.' 

The statement included an updated on a GoFundMe set up by Hilton's long-time friend Tom D’Angora to benefit the blogger's family as he continues treatment; Above, D'Angora and Hilton in 2012 in NYC

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.' 'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time'; Above, Hilton and mom Teresita Lavandeira with Mario and Mia in 2018 in Culver City

'Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,' D'Angora writes. 'She’s put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.'

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.'

'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time. None of the money will be used for Perez personally,' he said. 

'It’s been heartbreaking to watch someone I care about very much, along with his entire family who I also care very deeply for, go through this. More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend.

'Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead. If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

'Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.'

The fundraiser came with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website. 

The update came not long after Hilton's family announced the blogger had entered a residential treatment program 'where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.'

Tom said he had become 'very close friends' with Hilton since first meeting him 14 years ago

'This was an important next step, but there's still a long road ahead,' his loved ones shared.

'Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.'

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, does not have access to a phone or laptop.

His communication with friends and family has been restricted during this crucial time of recovery.

Hilton's three children are currently living in Miami, Florida, under the temporary custody of his mother.

'His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter,' Hilton's relatives continued.

'Our family's priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and "normalcy" as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them.'

The internet personality is allowed to see his children but those visits must be supervised by an approved family member or a therapist, TMZ reported, citing court documents.

The fundraiser comes with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website

Hilton must obtain 'psychiatric clearance' prior to those visits, according to the outlet.

The crisis occurred several months after Hilton moved from Las Vegas back to his hometown of Miami, and he was living there with his children and his mother at the time of the shocking livestream incident.

On August 4, he was found by his sister, Barbara Lavandeira, inside the home's bathroom covered in blood and holding a box cutter.

Hilton had been filming a live broadcast on TikTok during which he appeared to engage in self-harm.

The livestream continued for about 15 minutes before TikTok stopped the feed, and Hilton's TikTok account has since been banned by the platform.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene following numerous calls from concerned viewers and the social media site's own moderation team.

Hilton was treated for lacerations and an overdose before being transported to hospital under Florida's Baker Act, a state law that allows for the temporary and involuntary hold of individuals suffering a mental health crisis.

His family confirmed that he experienced significant blood loss and multiple broken bones.

'Perez is alive, he's getting help, and he's surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again,' their statement concluded.

'Right now, those are the things that matter most.' 

If you or someone you know needs help in the US, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988.If you are in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free. If you are in Australia, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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