UK police investigate Reform UK for alleged donation rule breaches

Key facts

• The Metropolitan Police are investigating Reform UK for alleged breaches of political donation laws.
• Allegations stem from an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News.
• The probe concerns potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
• The investigation includes allegations of disguising foreign funding for three opinion polls costing £32,500.
• Reform UK denies wrongdoing, calling it a hoax by activists.
• Two senior aides were removed from their jobs following the report.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Reform UK over allegations that the party breached political donation laws. The probe follows an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News, which broadcast footage allegedly showing party figures discussing how to disguise donations from foreign sources.

Scotland Yard stated that there are potential offences requiring investigation under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. These matters will be incorporated into an existing investigation by the Met’s Special Enquiry Team concerning donations to the same political party. The allegations specifically centre on payments made by an overseas company for three opinion polls commissioned by Reform UK earlier this year, which cost a total of £32,500. Under electoral law, foreign companies are prohibited from providing funding to UK political parties, including for research and studies.

Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it was the target of a hoax by foreign-funded activists posing as potential donors and that it has a robust vetting process for prospective donors approved by the Electoral Commission. The party added that it will fully co-operate with the investigation. Two senior aides were removed from their jobs last week following the undercover report.

Opposition parties, including Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party, have called for a full investigation into the claims. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson stated that Nigel Farage "needs to urgently prove today that his top team haven’t broken the law and secretly plotted to undermine our democracy." Green Party leader Zack Polanski commented that the "very serious claims should be fully investigated by the Electoral Commission and the police." Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart added that the allegations "must be dealt with swiftly by the authorities."