Metropolitan Police Investigate Reform UK Donations Amid Funding Scrutiny
Inquiry focuses on alleged circumvention of political funding rules and financial transfers to party donors.
Callum Smith
The Metropolitan Police are investigating whether Reform UK donors may have circumvented restrictions on political funding sources, casting a shadow over the party's financial practices.
Detectives are scrutinizing over £1.5 million ($2 million) transferred by George Cottrell to his mother, Fiona Cottrell, just before she made donations to Reform UK in 2024.
Fiona Cottrell informed bankers the funds originated from her son when questioned about the deposits; these transfers reportedly transpired within 24 to 72 hours of her donations to either Reform UK or Britain Means Business.
George Cottrell, a convicted criminal, previously funded Nigel Farage's security and staffing in the year leading up to his election; the Met's investigation also encompasses donations to Reform UK from Britain Means Business.
Britain Means Business operates as a fundraising vehicle, directed by Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice. This entity made two separate £250,000 donations to Reform UK before the 2024 general election.
This financial activity now draws intense scrutiny from authorities, with detectives investigating alleged offenses under Section 61 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
The Crown Prosecution Service has been consulted regarding the inquiry; two individuals have been interviewed under caution, though no arrests have been made.
Mr. Jenrick, a prominent Reform UK figure, stated the donations in question occurred some time ago, affirming the party's confidence in adhering to all electoral rules.
He added that Reform UK has not yet received contact from the police regarding the inquiry, pledging full cooperation with any investigations.
Mr. Jenrick's comments emerged during a press conference primarily focused on social care, where he criticized funding the system through a 'death tax'.
He claimed Prime Minister Andy Burnham had 'conspicuously refused' to rule out such a tax, despite the government not having announced any 'death tax'.
What we don’t want to see is hardworking Brits having to pick up the price of that for losing their home, losing their nest egg, not being able to hand that on to their children and their grandchildren.
Fixing the social care crisis stands as a priority for Reform, according to Mr. Jenrick, who asserted other opposition parties have not dedicated a press conference to the issue.
Reform UK currently runs 30 local authorities responsible for social care, placing them at the 'coalface' of the issue, Mr. Jenrick claimed.
Mr. Jenrick stated, "We are absolutely at the coalface of this, trying to do our utmost to support people in difficult times. Don’t tell us we don’t care about this issue. We really do."
He continued, "What we don’t want to see is hardworking Brits having to pick up the price of that for losing their home, losing their nest egg, not being able to hand that on to their children and their grandchildren. That’s the point that we’re making today."
In 2010, as health secretary, Andy Burnham suggested a levy on estates to fund a national care service, though this plan was not implemented.
Nigel Farage is currently fighting a byelection in Clacton. Reform leader Nigel Farage stated in April that he sought to appoint a health spokesman, indicating the party's increasing focus on healthcare policy.
A Reform UK spokesman affirmed the party's commitment to electoral compliance, stating, "Reform takes pride in its stringent vetting of donations and always ensures that the Electoral Commission guidelines on donations, as set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, are strictly followed, as has been the case with all donations."