The grain store near Bognor Regis was given rent-free to Mr Farage by Ukip supporters 15 years ago

Nigel Farage faces an expenses investigation into almost £60,000 of “missing” European Union funds paid into his personal bank account.

The Ukip leader has received £15,500 a year from the EU since at least 2009 to pay for the upkeep of his constituency office, a small converted grain store near Littlehampton, according to transparency reports filed on the party’s website.

However, the grain store was given rent-free to Mr Farage by Ukip supporters 15 years ago. Utilities and other non-rental costs amount to no more than £3,000 a year, according to the former office manager, leaving about £12,000 a year unexplained.

Mr Farage this morning said he was prepared to open up Ukip accounts to independent scrutiny. He said he was considering legal action against