Key facts
- Reform UK's head of policy James Orr and aide Dan Jukes have resigned.
- An undercover investigation by Verbatim appears to show them arranging for a US 'donor' to fund political polling.
- The party leader, Nigel Farage, was filmed commenting positively on the polling.
- Reform UK denies wrongdoing and calls the operation a 'political sting'.
- Opposition parties have reported the matter to the police, citing potential breaches of electoral law.
Two senior figures within the Reform UK party have stepped down following revelations from an undercover investigation that appeared to show them arranging for a donor to fund political polling, potentially in violation of electoral law. James Orr, the party's head of policy, and Dan Jukes, a key aide to leader Nigel Farage, have resigned pending the outcome of an internal party probe.
The investigation, conducted by Verbatim, an arm of the Centre for Climate, captured footage of Orr and Jukes discussing arrangements for a US-based 'donor' to pay for three separate surveys. Orr is heard on tape suggesting that Farage would prefer not to know about the arrangement and that its funding source should be kept secret, while also branding the elections watchdog 'completely useless'. Farage himself was filmed meeting representatives of the undercover journalist and described the polling as 'amazing' and good value.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the operation as a 'political sting from some net zero activists' and stated it would not comment further during its ongoing investigation. However, opposition parties have reacted strongly. The Liberal Democrats have reported the matter to the Met Police's special enquiry team, citing a 'potential serious breach of electoral law' and raising concerns about foreign interference. Labour has also indicated it will report the issue to the police, with party chair Bridge Phillipson demanding Farage prove his team did not break the law. The Green party has also called for an investigation.
The Met Police have confirmed they are aware of the media reports concerning political party donations and an alleged breach of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and will assess the matter.